Cow’s milk and human milk differ in terms of nutrient content such as amino acids, buffering power, and immune composition.
1. Nutrient content: human milk has higher carbohydrate content and lower protein content; cow’s milk has higher protein content and lower carbohydrate content. The ratio of casein and whey protein in human milk is 1:4, which is easier to digest and absorb, while that of cow’s milk is 4:1. The ratio of calcium and phosphorus in human milk is more appropriate than that of cow’s milk, and the absorption of calcium is better; however, the content of vitamin D in cow’s milk is higher.
2. Biological effects: human milk PH is 3.6, cow’s milk is 5.3, the buffering power of human milk to acid and alkali is small, the acidity of gastric juice has less impact.
3. Immune components: human milk is rich in SIgA, immunologically active cells, lactoferrin, etc., there is a certain immune effect, which is not the role of milk.
For newborns or infants, breastfeeding is a better choice than cow’s milk (formula), while cow’s milk can be used for infants who do not have enough breastmilk or who choose to artificially feed their babies, and it can also be used as a drink for adults to replenish proteins, vitamin D and other nutrients.