Camel Milk and Autism: A Review of the Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Camel milk is a traditional and nutritious beverage that has been consumed by some nomadic cultures for centuries. It has recently attracted attention as a potential therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social communication and interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and sensory abnormalities. Camel milk differs from other types of milk in its composition and characteristics, as it contains lower lactose and casein, higher unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins, and unique bioactive compounds, such as lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and camel whey protein. These components may have beneficial effects on the immune system, the gut microbiome, and the brain function, which are implicated in the pathophysiology of ASD. Several studies have reported that camel milk can improve autistic behaviors, cognitive performance, and memory in children and adults with ASD. However, the quality and quantity of the available evidence are limited, and more rigorous and large-scale research is needed to confirm the findings and elucidate the mechanisms of action of camel milk. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the potential health benefits and possible drawbacks of camel milk, and discuss its implications for ASD.

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States. ASD is defined by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, which are present from early childhood and cause significant impairment in various domains of functioning. ASD is also associated with sensory abnormalities, such as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli, and medical comorbidities, such as gastrointestinal disorders, epilepsy, sleep problems, and immune dysregulation .

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The etiology of ASD is not fully understood, but it is likely to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect the development and function of the brain. Several genes have been identified that are associated with ASD, but they account for only a small proportion of the cases, and most of them are involved in multiple biological pathways, such as synaptic transmission, neuronal migration, and chromatin remodeling . Environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure to infections, toxins, or stress, may also contribute to the risk of ASD, either directly or by interacting with genetic susceptibility .

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The diagnosis of ASD is based on behavioral observations and developmental history, and there are no biomarkers or objective tests that can reliably identify ASD. The treatment of ASD is mainly focused on improving the core symptoms and associated impairments, and enhancing the quality of life of individuals with ASD and their families. The current interventions include behavioral, educational, and pharmacological approaches, which are often combined and tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each individual . However, the effectiveness and safety of these interventions are variable and limited, and there is no cure for ASD.

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Therefore, there is a need for alternative or complementary therapies that can address the underlying causes and mechanisms of ASD, and provide more benefits and fewer side effects than the conventional interventions. One of the emerging therapies that has gained popularity in recent years is camel milk.

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Camel milk is the milk produced by female camels (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus) during lactation. It is a staple food for some nomadic populations in harsh environments, such as deserts, where other sources of animal milk are scarce or unavailable. Camel milk is also considered a valuable commodity in many countries, especially in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, where it is consumed for its nutritional and medicinal properties .

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Camel milk differs from cow's milk and other types of milk in several aspects of its composition and characteristics, as it contains lower lactose and casein, higher unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins, and unique bioactive compounds, such as lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and camel whey protein. These components may have beneficial effects on various health outcomes, such as diabetes, immunity, infections, allergies, and neurodegenerative diseases? .

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Several studies have also investigated the effects of camel milk on ASD, and reported positive results in terms of improving autistic behaviors, cognitive performance, and memory in children and adults with ASD? . However, the quality and quantity of the available evidence are limited, and more rigorous and large-scale research is needed to confirm the findings and elucidate the mechanisms of action of camel milk.

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In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the potential health benefits and possible drawbacks of camel milk, and discuss its implications for ASD.

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Potential Health Benefits of Camel Milk for ASD

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Camel milk may have beneficial effects on ASD by modulating the immune system, the gut microbiome, and the brain function, which are implicated in the pathophysiology of ASD. Camel milk contains opioids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory proteins that may have beneficial effects on these aspects of health. Some of the evidence for these effects are as follows:

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• Immune system - ASD is associated with immune dysregulation, such as increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, autoantibodies, and oxidative stress, which may contribute to the neuroinflammation and neuronal damage observed in ASD . Camel milk contains lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and camel whey protein, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, as they can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, scavenge free radicals, and regulate the immune response. Some studies have shown that camel milk can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, and increase the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10, in children with ASD. Camel milk may also modulate the Th1/Th2 balance, which is altered in ASD, and enhance the natural killer cell activity, which is reduced in ASD.
• Gut microbiome - ASD is associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which affect up to 70% of individuals with ASD. ASD is also associated with dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, which may affect the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, mediated by neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune factors. Camel milk may improve the gut health and microbiome of individuals with ASD, who often suffer from gastrointestinal issues. Camel milk may have prebiotic effects, as it can stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella. Camel milk may also have probiotic effects, as it contains live bacteria, such as Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus, which may colonize the gut and confer health benefits. A healthy gut may influence the brain function and behavior through the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, hormones, such as melatonin and cortisol, and immune factors, such as cytokines and antibodies.
• Brain function - ASD is associated with impaired brain development and function, such as reduced synaptic density, altered neuronal connectivity, and abnormal neurotransmission. Camel milk may improve the brain function and cognition of individuals with ASD, by modulating the neurotransmitters, enhancing the brain activity, and protecting the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation. Camel milk contains beta-casein, a protein that has an opioid-like effect on the brain. This effect may help reduce hyperactivity, improve social interaction, and modulate neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, in individuals with ASD. Camel milk also contains lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and camel whey protein, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with ASD . Some studies have shown that camel milk can improve the cognitive performance, memory, and attention of children and adults with ASD. Camel milk may also affect the brain activity and connectivity of individuals with ASD, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

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These potential health benefits of camel milk for ASD are based on limited and preliminary evidence, and more research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of camel milk as a therapy for ASD.

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Sources: -

• Adams, C. (2020). Patient Report: Autism Spectrum Disorder Treated With Camel Milk. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.? ?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3865381
• Al-Ayadhi, L. &? Elamin, N. (2013). Camel Milk as a Potential Therapy as an Antioxidant in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ??https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/602834/
• WebMD, (2020). Camel Milk: Are There Health Benefits? WebMD. ? ? ?https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-camel-milk#:~:text=Camel%20milk%20is%20high%20in,Vitamin%20B

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