MBP
Also known as: MBP, milk basic protein fraction, Milk Basic Protein
Overview
Milk Basic Protein (MBP) is a bioactive protein fraction derived from milk whey, naturally present in dairy products. It is primarily investigated for its potential role in promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption, making it a focus for bone health supplementation. MBP is utilized as a nutritional supplement with the aim of improving bone mineral density (BMD) and overall bone metabolism, particularly in populations susceptible to osteoporosis or bone loss. Research on MBP is moderately developed, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and some meta-analyses available. While some studies suggest modest benefits on bone resorption markers, the evidence regarding its effects on BMD remains inconsistent and inconclusive. The quality of evidence is mixed, highlighting the need for further robust research to fully establish its clinical efficacy.
Benefits
MBP supplementation has demonstrated a significant decrease in urinary NTx, a recognized marker of bone resorption, particularly with supplementation durations exceeding 12 weeks. This indicates a potential anti-resorptive effect on bone turnover. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported modest increases in lumbar spine BMD in MBP groups compared to placebo, especially in healthy young women and menopausal women over a 6-month period. However, no consistent significant effects on serum osteocalcin or bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (markers of bone formation) have been observed. The benefits appear more pronounced in healthy young and menopausal women, with less clear advantages for older populations or on total body BMD. The reported BMD increases are modest, and total body BMD changes are not significantly different from controls. Benefits on bone resorption markers typically appear after 3-6 months, with some BMD changes noted after 6-8 months of supplementation.
How it works
MBP contains bioactive peptides believed to stimulate osteoblast activity, which is responsible for bone formation, and to inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Its primary mechanism appears to involve reducing markers of bone resorption, such as urinary NTx, suggesting an anti-resorptive effect on bone turnover. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, MBP likely modulates various bone remodeling pathways. Upon consumption, MBP is absorbed as peptides and amino acids, with its bioavailability being comparable to other milk proteins, allowing its bioactive components to interact with bone cells and influence bone metabolism.
Side effects
MBP supplementation is generally considered safe and well-tolerated at doses up to 40 mg/day, as observed in clinical trials. Randomized controlled trials conducted on healthy adults have reported no significant adverse effects or safety concerns. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications documented for MBP. As it is derived from milk, individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should exercise caution, although MBP is a protein fraction and may contain minimal lactose. Overall, the safety profile of MBP appears favorable within the studied dosage ranges, with no serious side effects reported.
Dosage
The effective dosage of MBP observed in studies typically ranges around 40 mg/day. This amount is often delivered through fortified milk products or as a component of dietary supplements. For observed benefits, the duration of supplementation is generally recommended to be 6-8 months or longer. There is no established maximum safe dose beyond the amounts studied in clinical trials; higher doses have not been extensively researched for safety or efficacy. The timing of MBP consumption is flexible; it is commonly consumed daily with meals, either as part of dairy products or in supplement form. Consistency in daily intake over an extended period is crucial for potential effects on bone metabolism.
FAQs
Does MBP increase bone density?
Evidence suggests modest increases in lumbar spine BMD in some populations, particularly healthy young and menopausal women, but no consistent effect on total body or hip BMD has been observed.
Is MBP safe?
Yes, MBP is generally considered safe at studied doses (up to 40 mg/day) with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials involving healthy adults.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Changes in bone resorption markers may appear within 3-6 months, while any potential changes in bone mineral density may require 6-8 months or longer of consistent supplementation.
Is MBP better than other proteins for bone health?
While some meta-analyses suggest general whey and milk proteins may benefit bone, MBP-specific effects are not definitively superior to other milk proteins, and more research is needed for direct comparisons.
Research Sources
- https://nfsr.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-606-en.pdf – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the effects of MBP supplementation on bone markers. It found that MBP significantly decreased urinary NTx, a bone resorption marker, but showed no significant effects on serum osteocalcin or bone mineral density (BMD). The study highlighted high heterogeneity among included studies and called for more high-quality RCTs to clarify MBP's role in bone health.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10610213/ – This source references a parallel RCT by Zhu et al. (2011) involving 186 postmenopausal women over 2 years. The study found no significant difference in total hip or femoral neck BMD between the MBP and placebo groups, suggesting that MBP did not provide a significant BMD benefit in this population over the long term.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19296044/ – This RCT by Zou et al. (2009) investigated MBP supplementation in 84 healthy young women over 8 months. While total BMD increased in all groups, there was no significant difference in BMD gain between the MBP and control groups. However, a significant decrease in the bone resorption marker NTx was observed in the MBP group, indicating a potential anti-resorptive effect.
