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CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787559
Original article

Impact of Long-Term Camel Milk Consumption on Hepatic and Renal Biomarkers of Camel Nomads—An Observational Cross-Sectional Study from Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Maria Khan
1   Department of Human Nutrition, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
,
Saeed Akhtar
2   Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
,
Iqra Akram
1   Department of Human Nutrition, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
,
Asher Abdur Rehman 
3   Higher School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Care, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
,
Tariq Ismail 
4   Department of Food Science and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
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Abstract

Objectives Camel milk is gaining popularity worldwide owing to its unique biochemical composition and therapeutic benefits. In persona to available data on camel milk's potential health attributes against noncommunicable diseases, this study examined camel milk's effect on hepatic and renal biomarkers of milk consumers.

Materials and Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 51 camel nomads in the periurban areas of South Punjab, Pakistan. Structured questionnaire based on sociodemographic, dietary assessment, and blood sampling was done following simple random sampling technique to evaluate hematological, hepatic, and renal biomarkers.

Results The results indicate hematological parameters including mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to vary significantly between camel and cow milk consumers. Comparatively higher mean values of MCH, MCHC, and MCV, that is, 29.55 pg, 32.76 g/dL, and 89.61 fL, respectively, in male camel milk consumers than in females of the same group were observed. Camel milk consumption for the extended duration was found to anticipate significantly (p < 0.05) higher total serum protein contents, 17.38 g/dL in males and 15.23 g/dL in females than observed in cow milk consumers.

Conclusion The study validates that camel milk chronic consumption impacts some hematological changes to a significant level while indicating nonsignificant changes in renal and hepatic markers. Our study entertained sample population from one camel rearing region of the country. To better understand preventive and therapeutic properties of camel milk consumption against hepatic or renal disorders, sample populations from different regions may be enrolled and monitored for camel milk consumption, dietary patterns, and disease prevalence.

Keywords

camel milk - cow milk - chronic diseases - hematological markers - renal and hepatic markers

Authors' Contribution

M.K. conducted research trials and manuscript drafting. S.A. supervised the study. I.A. performed data analysis and interpretation. A.A.R. collected data. T.I. contributed to study design and manuscript review.




Publication History

Article published online:
12 June 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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