Camel milk: The latest health fad claiming to treat everything from autism to crohn's disease

But, you might want to think twice before giving it a go

Sarah Jones
Monday 16 January 2017 09:06 EST
Comments
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Forget almond milk, and scrap those cartons of soya, because there’s a new so-called superfood in town.

Health-conscious hipsters who are constantly on the look out for the latest, cutting-edge wellness trend are turning to camel’s milk.

Even Kim Kardashian gave it a go while visiting Bahrain last year.

It has been credited with improving conditions ranging from autism to diabetes and even crohn’s disease - but, you might want to read on before swinging by the shops and smothering your wheat-free, sugar-free granola in it.

The problem here isn’t the fact that it costs $18 per pint, but that it’s health-busting claims are actually completely unproven.

One company, Desert Farms, created by Californian native Walid Abdul-Wahab, has censured by the FDA for making assertions about the therapeutic benefits of drinking camels milk.

In a warning letter, the agency remind Wahab that the product cannot be used or promoted as being a drug.

“The therapeutic claims on your website and Facebook page establish that these products are drugs because they are intended for use in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease,” the FDA wrote.

“As explained further below, introducing or delivering these products for introduction into interstate commerce for such uses violates the [Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act].”

If Desert Farms do not comply, the FDA has threatened to seize Wahab’s milk supply or seek an injunction against him.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in