Milk Basic Protein (MBP) is a fraction of whey protein derived from milk, containing a group of bioactive proteins, including lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and others. MBP has been studied in the context of bone health, particularly for its potential to support bone formation and suppress bone resorption, which are both important in the management and prevention of osteoporosis.

Several small randomized controlled trials (RCTs), mostly conducted in Japan, have investigated the effects of MBP supplementation (typically 40 mg/day) in postmenopausal women and healthy adults. Some studies report that MBP supplementation can reduce bone resorption markers and modestly increase bone mineral density (BMD) at specific sites over 6-12 months. For example, a 2004 RCT by Aoe et al. found improved bone metabolism markers and a small but significant increase in radial BMD in healthy adult women. However, these trials are limited by their small sample sizes, short durations, and a lack of large-scale, long-term outcome data on fracture risk reduction.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are limited, and Western regulatory agencies do not recognize MBP as a treatment for osteoporosis. Thus, while there is some scientific evidence suggesting a benefit in bone turnover and BMD, the quality and quantity of data are insufficient for strong clinical recommendations. The use of MBP for osteoporosis is justified by preliminary scientific validation but requires further research for robust endorsement.