Is camel milk protein suitable for infants? Understanding mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices

Summary

This cross-sectional survey of 502 UAE mothers investigated maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding camel milk as a nutritional option for infants aged 0–2 years. Although most mothers held positive attitudes toward camel milk's cultural acceptability and suitability for babies (Likert means of 2.77 and 3.09 respectively), significant knowledge gaps existed: only 54.7% understood correct exclusive breastfeeding duration, and 76.1% were unaware of any health benefits associated with camel milk for infants. The study identified maternal employment, lower birth order, and maternal knowledge about camel milk use as key factors influencing adoption, and found no current practice of camel milk substitution among non-breastfeeding mothers, suggesting need for targeted awareness campaigns to support future commercialisation.

Regional applicability

This study's findings have limited direct applicability to the UK, where camel milk is not a traditional or widely available food product and infant feeding guidelines are well-established through NHS and NICE frameworks emphasising exclusive breastfeeding or regulated infant formula. However, the methodological approach to assessing maternal knowledge gaps and attitudes toward alternative milk products may inform UK policy discussions around emerging foods or culturally diverse infant feeding practices among migrant populations.

Key measures

Awareness of exclusive breastfeeding duration (54.7%); maternal knowledge of camel milk suitability for babies (40.2% unaware); awareness of health benefits (76.1% unaware); attitudes on five-point Likert scale (cultural acceptability mean 2.77, acceptability to babies mean 3.09); factors influencing uptake (maternal employment, birth order, knowledge, use in complementary foods)

Outcomes reported

The study measured mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding camel milk as a complementary or substitute food for infants aged 0–2 years in the UAE through a structured questionnaire. Results identified significant gaps in awareness about exclusive breastfeeding duration and camel milk suitability for infants, alongside generally positive maternal attitudes toward camel milk acceptance.

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