Nutrition is important in preserving the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy. A balanced diet rich in important elements such as quality protein, healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals promotes the healthy development of the newborn. Cow milk is a popular pregnancy dietary beverage that meets nutritional requirements. Is buffalo milk also beneficial for women during pregnancy?
Individual nutritional needs vary. It’s essential to prioritize a diverse diet and consider overall dietary patterns rather than focusing solely on one type of milk. While buffalo milk is also nutritious, its higher fat content warrants consideration. Pregnant women, especially those with pre-existing weight concerns and BMI (1), should consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes. Let’s look at the nutritional composition of buffalo milk to see if it’s helpful for pregnancy.
Nutritional Value of Buffalo Milk
Buffalo milk contains more fat, protein, lactose, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds than cow’s milk (2).
Nutrient value per 100ml
| Nutrients | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy | 97kcal |
| Protein | 3.75g |
| Fat | 6.9g |
| Calcium | 169mg |
| Phosphorus | 117mg |
| Potassium | 178mg |
| Fatty acids | 4.6g |
Is it Safe to Drink Buffalo Milk During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to drink pasteurized buffalo milk during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or eat food items produced with it. Pasteurization can destroy any dangerous bacteria in buffalo milk while maintaining its nutritious value (3).
Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to a high temperature to destroy hazardous microorganisms including E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Toxoplasma. Listeria is the most common cause of food poisoning, and pregnant women are more vulnerable to it than others. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm labor, and it can be fatal for newborns.
Furthermore, the higher fat content makes buffalo milk’s digestion challenging. One should speak with a healthcare practitioner about the amount of buffalo milk to be consumed daily.
When Can You Start Drinking Buffalo Milk During Pregnancy?
Undoubtedly, you can drink buffalo milk throughout your pregnancy. However, it is preferable to start having it as soon as you discover you are pregnant. A glass of buffalo milk for breakfast can be a nutritious delight.
Homemade paneer/chenna (soft cheese), curd, ice creams, and ghee prepared from buffalo milk can also be taken during pregnancy. However, due to its high fat content, it is a higher-calorie option. You can always change the quantity and frequency to your taste.
[Read: Dairy Products During Pregnancy]
Benefits of Drinking Buffalo Milk During Pregnancy
Here are some of the benefits of drinking buffalo milk regularly and consuming milk-derived products to receive nutritional benefits and feel strong and healthy during pregnancy.
1. Rich in Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Being a fat-rich food it contains all fat-soluble vitamins (A, B12, D, E, and K) required for a healthy pregnancy.
2. A Powerhouse of Fatty Acids
Buffalo milk contains healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6, which aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
3. Lowers The Risk of Hypertension
Buffalo milk is rich in beta-lactoglobulin and potassium which plays a major role in reducing blood pressure during pregnancy (4).
4. Boosts Bone Health
Loaded with calcium, phosphorus, and other bone-strengthening minerals, drinking buffalo milk boosts bone health during pregnancy (5).
5. Loaded With Probiotics
Probiotics present in buffalo milk may strengthen protection against infections in the gastrointestinal system and boost immunity (6).
Consult your doctor if you have any immune-related illnesses before taking buffalo milk during pregnancy.
Side Effects of Buffalo Milk in Pregnancy
The high-fat content of buffalo milk makes it difficult to digest. Drinking a large amount of buffalo milk may cause the following adverse effects:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
Who Should Avoid Drinking Buffalo Milk?
Buffalo milk is high in nutrients, however it may not be suitable for all pregnant women.
- Those women with pre-pregnancy high cholesterol or weight issues should look for alternatives due to the higher fat content in buffalo milk.
- Additionally, overweight women can select toned buffalo milk.
- For lactose-intolerant pregnant women, plant-based milk, e.g. almond, soy, oats, or coconut milk, is a wonderful alternative.
- Some women may be allergic to animal milk protein, so they should avoid buffalo milk during pregnancy.
- Always seek specific dietary advice from your doctor or a dietician before adding buffalo milk to your pregnancy diet.
Are There Any Alternatives to Buffalo Milk During Pregnancy?
Cow milk is regarded as the best alternative to buffalo milk during pregnancy. As an alternative to buffalo milk during pregnancy, try fortified plant-based milk such as oat, soy, almond, coconut milk, etc.
However, cow’s milk has the same nutritional content as buffalo milk, except higher fat value. Consider including other nutritious foods besides plant-based milk to achieve nutritional RDA mainly for calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Buffalo milk is a nutrient-dense meal that can be included in pregnancy diets. It is high in critical vitamins and minerals, which promote mother and fetal health throughout the pregnancy. Personalized dietary recommendations should be provided by a registered dietitian to ensure optimal intake and balance with other nutritional components.
FAQ’s
1. When to Drink Buffalo Milk During Pregnancy?
If buffalo milk is already a part of your usual diet, you can continue to consume it while pregnant. However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor if you are starting it for the first time.
2. Is Buffalo Milk Good For Pregnant Women?
Buffalo milk is a nutrient-rich drink and is beneficial for pregnant women. However, the amount consumed depends on your dietary needs.
References
- Melnik BC, John SM, Schmitz G. Milk consumption during pregnancy increases birth weight, a risk factor for the development of diseases of civilization. J Transl Med. 2015 Jan 16;13:13 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4302093/
- Milk, Indian buffalo, fluid, USDA – https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171280/nutrients
- The Dangers of Raw Milk: Unpasteurized Milk Can Pose a Serious Health Risk, FDA – https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/dangers-raw-milk-unpasteurized-milk-can-pose-serious-health-risk
- Hernández-Ledesma B, Recio I, Amigo L. Beta-lactoglobulin as source of bioactive peptides. Amino Acids. 2008 Aug;35(2):257-65 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17726638/
- Reddi S, Shanmugam VP, Tanedjeu KS, Kapila S, Kapila R. Effect of buffalo casein-derived novel bioactive peptides on osteoblast differentiation. Eur J Nutr. 2018 Mar;57(2):593-605 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27868152/
- Vargas-Ramella, M.; Pateiro, M.; Maggiolino, A.; Faccia, M.; Franco, D.; De Palo, P.; Lorenzo, J.M. Buffalo Milk as a Source of Probiotic Functional Products. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 2303 – https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/11/2303
