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Cow vs. Goat Milk: Understanding Protein’s Role in Baby Digestion
By Alpro Pharmacy
March 13, 2025
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Baby Digestion: Why Formula Choice Matters
When we think about digestion, a simple analogy helps: imagine eating rice versus porridge. Both are nutritious, but porridge is easier on the stomach — softer, smoother, and more comforting. Similarly, not all infant formulas digest the same way in a baby’s tummy. And the difference lies not just in ingredients, but in protein structure and how it behaves during digestion.
As a pharmacist specializing in maternal and child health, I often receive questions from parents whose babies experience bloating, gassiness, or post-feed discomfort. In fact, studies estimate that 1 in every 3 infants may experience some form of digestive issue, such as colic, reflux, constipation, or general feeding intolerance (Vandenplas et al., 2021). Additionally, it’s been found that roughly 20–30% of formula-fed babies face functional gastrointestinal discomfort, often linked to protein digestion.
Understanding the Role of Protein in Formula Digestion
Infant formula primarily contains two types of proteins: whey protein and casein protein. Whey is known for its high solubility and rapid digestibility. Casein, however, behaves differently. When it meets stomach acid, it coagulates into curds, similar to how cheese is formed. These curds, depending on their texture and density, influence how easily a baby’s stomach can process the formula.
Cow’s Milk vs. 🐐 Goat’s Milk: The Key Difference Lies in Casein
The most critical distinction between cow milk and goat milk lies in the type and amount of casein, especially alpha-S1 casein. Cow milk typically contains around 38% alpha-S1 casein, which tends to form firmer, denser curds, slowing gastric emptying and leading to a delayed digestion pattern. Research suggests that cow’s milk protein can take up to 2–3 times longer to break down in the early digestion phase compared to goat milk protein, due to curd density and enzymatic accessibility (Clark & García, 2022).
In contrast, goat milk contains only about 6% alpha-S1 casein, forming softer, looser curds that support smoother and more stable digestion from the beginning. Interestingly, studies show that nearly 4 out of 10 babies with cow milk sensitivity may tolerate goat milk better, thanks to its unique protein profile and lower allergenic potential (Jirapinyo et al., 2020).
Why This Matters for Your Baby
When digestion is delayed or uneven, babies may experience bloating, reflux, or irritability. A formula that forms softer curds and digests more consistently can significantly reduce these symptoms. That’s why goat milk formula — with its naturally gentler protein profile — is increasingly considered a digestive-friendly option for sensitive tummies.
A Professional Recommendation
If your baby is currently experiencing bloating or digestive discomfort, feel free to visit your nearest Alpro Pharmacy or Alpro Clinic. Our team is here to support your baby’s health with knowledge, empathy, and evidence-based care.
Come join MamaBe Expert Group for more intimate information!
If you have any health-related questions, you can consult our medical professionals at MamaBe Expert Group. Our pharmacists are ready to assist you.
Disclaimer: Regardless of the date of the content on the website, no content is a substitute for direct medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
References (APA Format):
- Clark, S., & García, M. B. (2022). Composition and functional properties of goat milk proteins: Implications for infant formula. Journal of Dairy Science, 105(1), 12–25.
- Nguyen, D. D., Tran, L. T., & Hoang, T. Q. (2021). Comparative digestion behavior of cow and goat milk proteins under simulated infant gastrointestinal conditions. Food Research International, 145, 110398.
- Vandenplas, Y., et al. (2021). Management of functional gastrointestinal disorders in infancy: Expert consensus and practical guidance. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 73(4), 573–587.
