So what are the actual differences? Let’s start by looking at the individual components in 1 single cup of milk.
| Cow Milk | Goat Milk | |
| Protein | 9 g | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g | 11 g |
| Fat | 8 g | 10 g |
| Vitamin A | 252 g | 485 g |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.10 mcg | 0.112 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.1 mcg | 0.2 mcg |
| Vitamin C | Zero | 3.2 mg |
| Vitamin D | 100 IU | 32 IU |
| Vitamin E | 0.15 IU | 0.2 IU |
| Folate | 13 mcg | 2.7 mcg |
| Calcium | 275 mcg | 325 mcg |
| Magnesium | 23 mg | 34 mg |
| Selenium | 9 mcg | 3.4 mcg |
So while very similar there are some important differences. Cow’s milk contains fat molecules that are very large in size, which makes it more of a challenge to digest, taking up to 2 hours to make its way through our digestive system. In addition, the cream from cow milk separates out and floats to the top. In order to get them to mix, they are forcibly and mechanically homogenized. It might surprise you to know that cow’s milk is ranked as the 3rd highest allergen for children.
Alternatively, goat milk contains very small fat molecules which allow it to stay naturally homogenized, the very little cream will rise to the stop of goat milk, and it stays blended throughout the milk. This makes it easier for lactose intolerant people to consume and not experience any type of allergic reaction. When babies struggle with mother’s milk or formula, the go-to of many doctors is goat milk. It is closer to human breast milk than any other.
Our bodies produce enzymes to help break down our foods, especially sugar. Goat milk contains less lactose (milk sugar) than cow’s milk, which makes it easier on our stomachs simply because we need less of a particular type of enzyme to break down the lactose.
One of the most common allergies in children under the age of 3 in the United States is a dairy-allergy and it has a lot to do with a particular protein in the milk called Alpha s1 Casein. The levels of Alpha s1 Casein are about 89% less in goat’s milk, which is one of the main reasons why people who have dairy sensitivities may get away with consuming goats milk as an alternative.
From a nutritional standpoint, cow and goat milk is very, very similar. To be fair, cow’s milk is higher in folate and B12. However, these sourced otherwise in our diet. The superior digestibility of the goat milk helps those who are lactose intolerant and is less allergenic overall.