Home Ingredients MBP® (Milk Basic Protein)
Bone Health

MBP® (Milk Basic Protein)

Evidence Level
Moderate
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

MBP® (Milk Basic Protein) is a fraction of whey protein concentrated for the bone-active proteins of milk. Unlike calcium, which supplies raw material, MBP is thought to act on the bone-building and bone-resorbing cells themselves, and clinical trials found it increased bone mineral density in healthy women.

Studied Dose About 40 mg of milk basic protein per day.
Active Compound Milk basic protein (MBP), a concentrated fraction of whey basic proteins including lactoferrin and other bone-active proteins.

Benefits

Bone mineral density

In randomized trials, milk basic protein increased bone mineral density in healthy young women, supporting its bone-strengthening positioning.

Supported by Trial 1

Bone metabolism support

MBP improves markers of bone metabolism, favoring bone formation over breakdown.

Supported by Trial 1

Everyday bone health

MBP is thought to act directly on bone cells, complementing calcium and vitamin D for long-term bone maintenance.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Osteoblast stimulation

Milk basic proteins promote the activity of osteoblasts, the cells that build new bone.

2

Reduced bone resorption

MBP suppresses osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone, shifting the remodeling balance toward bone gain.

Clinical trials

1
Milk Basic Protein and Bone Density — RCT
PubMed

Randomized trial of milk basic protein on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in healthy young women. (Uenishi et al. 2007, Osteoporosis International)

Healthy young women.

Milk basic protein increased bone mineral density and improved bone-metabolism markers versus placebo.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — derived from milk protein.
Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported.
Avoid if you have a milk-protein allergy.

Important Drug interactions

No major drug interactions are established for this ingredient.
Tell your doctor about all supplements if you take prescription medication.
Use caution if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition.

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Frequently asked questions about MBP® (Milk Basic Protein)

What is MBP?

MBP® (Milk Basic Protein) is a fraction of whey protein concentrated for the bone-active proteins of milk. Unlike calcium, which supplies raw material, MBP is thought to act on the bone-building and bone-resorbing cells themselves, and clinical trials found it increased bone mineral density in healthy women.

What is MBP used for?

MBP is researched primarily for Bone Health. In randomized trials, milk basic protein increased bone mineral density in healthy young women, supporting its bone-strengthening positioning.

What is the recommended dosage of MBP?

The clinically studied dose is About 40 mg of milk basic protein per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is MBP safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, MBP is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — derived from milk protein. Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported. It may also interact with some medications. MBP is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does MBP interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: No major drug interactions are established for this ingredient. Tell your doctor about all supplements if you take prescription medication. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for MBP?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for MBP as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Uenishi K, Ishida H, Toba Y, et al. Milk basic protein increases bone mineral density and improves bone metabolism in healthy young women. Osteoporos Int. 2007;18(3):385-90..PubMedUsed to support: RCT supporting bone-density benefit of milk basic protein.