Deer milk may improve health, trial shows

A New Zealand clinical trial has found regularly consuming Pāmu Deer Milk may help to improve the health of women aged 65 and above.

The trial, undertaken by Pāmu New Zealand in conjunction with Massey University and supported by the High-Value Nutrition (HVN) Ko Nga Kai Whai Painga National Science Challenge, recruited 120 women over the age of 65 with a lower to normal body mass index (BMI) to consume either 200 mL of Pāmu Deer Milk or a commercial oral nutritional supplement daily for 10 weeks.

Research shows that as people age, they lose muscle mass and bone density, leading to increased risk of falls and fractures, especially women who lose calcium and other minerals after menopause.

According to Massey University lead researchers Marlena Kruger and Pamela von Hurst, the study showed improvements in the women’s nutritional status, muscle mass and physical performance, and may, over time, reduce bone breakdown and bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Deer milk contains higher protein and calcium content than other milk products and contains vitamins and minerals that support skeletal and immune health. It also contains minor components possessing anti-inflammatory effects.

Trial participant Antoinette van Zyl continued to drink Pāmu Deer Milk after the trial ended. She claims it has improved her strength, energy and mobility, aiding her recovery since a fall a few years ago.

Pāmu has been developing the deer milk business for over five years, selling domestically and across Asia–Pacific. The milk is sourced through a partnership with Peter and Sharon McIntyre, who run a deer farm near Gore and through the company’s own farm Aratiatia in the North Island’s central plateau.

Hamish Glendinning, Pāmu Deer Milk Lead, sees potential for the product to carve out a position in the aged nutrition space and offer increased returns to deer farming in New Zealand.

Image credit: iStock.com/Natsicha