Milk basic protein

Biological function

Active substances in the milk basic protein fraction promote bone formation and suppress bone resorption. It has been found to decrease the formation of osteoclast pits, which act to break down bone and release minerals for resorption into plasma, MBP helps to reduce this process. Daily supplementation with 40 mg of MBP over 6 months has been shown to result in increased bone mineral density and lower urinary markers of bone resorption.

Clinical relevance

It has been found to have a role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Direct effects have been identified between MBP and strengthening of bones, through its influences on bone remodelling (formation and resorption) and enhancement bone mineral density. These actions may be beneficial for pre-menopausal and menopausal women in particular, as increased bone mineral density decreases the risk of fractures associated with osteoporosis.

Allergen Labeling

Previous studies have concluded that "the protein components in MBP are unlikely to present any increased risk of allergy for milk allergic subjects or of cross-reactivity for other allergic subjects" (Goodman et al. 2007, p. 1787). However, the United States of America and the European Union have not deemed it to be free of milk allergens. Therefore, any products containing milk basic protein fractions as ingredients are identified as containing milk under the food labelling guidelines set forth by the United States of America and European Union to alert consumers.

References

References

1. Möller, N.P., Scholz-Ahrens, K.E., Roos, N., & Schrezenmeir, J. (2008). Bioactive peptides and proteins from foods: indication for health effects. ''European Journal of Nutrition, 47''(4), 176.
2. Uenishi, K. (2006). Prevention of osteoporosis by foods and dietary supplements. Prevention of osteoporosis by milk and dairy products. ''Clinical Calcium, 16''(10), 10.
3. Kruger, C.L., Marano, K.M., Morita, Y., Takada, Y., Kawakami, H., Kobayashi, T., Sunaga, M., Furukawa, M., & Kawamura, K. (2007). Safety evaluation of a milk basic protein fraction. ''[[Food and Chemical Toxicology]], 45'', 1301.
4. Goodman, R., Taylor, S., Yamamura, J., Kobayashi, T., Kawakami, H., Kruger, C., & Thompson, G. (2007). Assessment of the potential allergenicity of a Milk Basic Protein fraction. ''Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45'', 1788.
5. Foster, Tammy. (2003). "Beverage Quality and Safety". CRC Press.
6. It also increases bone mineralization by stimulating proliferation of [[osteoblasts]] which are involved in [[collagen]] production and bone formation.Kawakami, H. (2005). Biological significance of Milk Basic Protein (MBP) for bone health. ''FSTR, 11'', 1.
7. Itabashi, A. (2006). Prevention of osteoporosis by foods and dietary supplements. Milk basic protein (MBP) increases bone mineral density in young adult women and perimenopausal women. ''Clinical Calcium, 16''(10), 1632.