We have a tremendously smart and educated Save Our Bones community that’s always interested in seeking out the latest research. As it turns out, some members wrote in about lactoferrin just as I was in the process of researching the latest findings to share with you. I love that kind of synchronicity!
So what is lactoferrin and why should you consider including it in your bone health regimen?
The Scoop on Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein (a glycoprotein is a molecule that contains both carbohydrate and protein). One of its actions is to help transport iron from the blood to the cells, thus controlling the iron levels in the blood.
It is most abundant in human colostrum (the milk produced just prior to giving birth) and in slightly lesser amounts in human breast milk. Other than human breast milk, the best source of lactoferrin is in cows’ milk. 1
How Does Lactoferrin Help Bone Health?
Lactoferrin is rapidly emerging as a natural bone building factor. A recent study by researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand found that:
“At physiological concentrations, lactoferrin potently stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of primary osteoblasts and also acts as a survival factor inhibiting apoptosis induced by serum withdrawal. Lactoferrin also affects osteoclast formation and, in murine bone marrow culture, lactoferrin potently inhibits osteoclastogenesis. In vivo, local injection of lactoferrin above the hemicalvaria of adult mice results in substantial increases in the dynamic histomorphometric indices of bone formation and bone area.”
In other words, unlike bisphosphonate drugs, lactoferrin affects bone resorption and deposition in a natural way that works with bone metabolism rather than against it.
The Importance of Bone Remodeling
As I write in the Save Our Bones Program, the bone remodeling process is of prime importance. During this process, bone cells called osteoclasts move through bone tissue with the purpose of capturing old bone for its removal. Once this happens, small serrated spaces are left behind so that bone cells called osteoblasts can deposit new bone. This is how old bone is replaced with brand new bone, thus increasing tensile strength to prevent fractures. About 5 to 10% of all our bone tissue is replaced – or turned over -during one year.
For a lighthearted educational view of the bone remodeling process, check out my blog post starring Oscar the Osteoclast, “How Your Bones Renew Themselves: An Inside Look.”
I often mention the problems with the bisphophonate drugs that are all too commonly prescribed for osteoporosis and osteopenia. Not only do these drugs have potentially devastating side effects, they don’t result in healthier bones!
Bisphosphonates alter the delicate bone remodeling process and thus affect bone chemistry in a way that ultimately results in weaker bones. Lactoferrin, on the other hand, affects these processes in a natural way and shows promise as a means of stimulating healthy bone growth.
Other Benefits of Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin has other desirable health properties. It boosts the immune system and protects against viruses, bacteria and other infectious organisms.2 And by inhibiting cytokine mediators that lead to inflammation, lactoferrin also helps reduce inflammation, both in the skin and in the digestive system.3
So, in addition to the bone health benefits, there are good reasons to add lactoferrin to your routine.
But I Thought You Said Not to Drink Milk
Indeed I did, and you can read all the reasons in ‘Debunking the Milk Myth: Why Milk is Bad for Your Bones’. But I have also said that whey, the watery substance that is left after milk is curdled, is alkalizing and healthy.
Milk has two main sources of protein: cassein and whey, and it’s the alkalizing whey that contains lactoferrin. So you don’t need to drink milk in order to get the benefits of lactoferrin.
In fact, the best way to get lactoferrin is by drinking a whey protein shake with almond milk, another milk substitute, or even water.
Whey Protein: An Issue of Purity
Some whey proteins have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals. That’s why the one I use is Solgar’s Whey to Go. It’s been certified clear of any heavy metals and other contaminants by Consumer Reports.4
My daily whey protein shake is one of my favorite pick-me-ups, and I look forward to its refreshing and invigorating boost. I especially enjoy it after exercising or after my walks.
Of course, Whey to Go is free of bovine growth hormone (rBGH) and is minimally processed at low temperatures to protect all the valuable nutrients. It’s available in three delicious natural flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. I always buy vanilla as it has the least amount of sugar, but they’re all acceptable so choose your favorite!
This is where I get it:
Solgar Whey To Go® Whey Protein Powder Natural Vanilla
And to make preparation even more hassle-free, I use the ingenious BlenderBottle to quickly blend it with almond milk or water. The bottle comes with a whisk inside, so all you have to do is shake it and it blends without clumping. It’s BPA-free (you can read my post about BPA here) and even comes in a variety of colors:
Here’s to our healthy bones!

References
1 Sánchez L, Calvo M, Brock JH (1992). “Biological role of lactoferrin”. Arch. Dis. Child. 67 (5): 657–61.)
2 Adamik, B and Walszczyk, A. (1996): [Lactoferrin: its role in defence against infection and immunotropic properties.] Postepy Higieny Medycyny Doswiadczalnej 50:33-41.
3 Bellamy, W., Yamauchi, K., Wakabayashi, H., Takakura, N., Shimamura, S. and Tomita, M (1994) Antifungal properties of lactoferricin B, a peptide derived from the N-terminal region of lactoferrin. Letters Appl. Microbiol. 18:230-233.
4 http://www.consumerreports.org/health/natural-health/protein-drinks/whats-in-your-protein-drink/index.htm
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March 21, 2013
Hi Vivian … I’ve been noticing a lot of affiliate links in the products you recommend. Not that being an affiliate is bad, there’s lots of great products out there, but for the sake of openness, you really need to tell people when you also have a financial relationship with some of the merchants and products here on your site.
December 24, 2012
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December 23, 2012
I am excited for an alternative to the drug I was on. I have bought your program and am just starting it. I thought whey protein would be especially good for my bones as I also have rheumatoid arthritis. However my doctor (not the one who prescribed Reclast) said that as Americans we consume way too much protein, which actually hurts our bodies and health. He talks about kidney problems when we consume too much protein. (The RA drugs are also hard on the kidneys.) In addition, I already consume lots of protein through meats and other dietary foods. Do I need whey protein in addition to my diet?
December 21, 2012
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September 24, 2012
Vivian,
I observed that you have not answered the question regarding the Solgar’s Whey to Go contents. Why is that?
August 25, 2012
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August 25, 2012
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November 3, 2011
Vivian, I read a lot of your blogs and emails, and have stopped the bisphosphonates. I am eating better and taking supplements that make sense. One thing I am starting to realize is that the cost of various senisble supplements can be as much or more per month than the $108 I spent every 4 weeks for the meds. I am on a tight budget with the economy the way it is right now and this is as big of a burden as the meds were financially. I would like to find the most optimal all inclusive (as possible) supplement that is cost effective. I would like to see a blog addressing this topic as I am sure there are others like me who need to get the best benefit at a reasonable cost. Would you consider doing one?
May 8, 2012
Chest flyes are great for shredding the chest mlesucs. I don’t care what the eight or so people ahead of me say, you CAN target fat loss. You should combine your workouts with cardio to maximize fat burn, but truthfully if you do chest flyes with low weights for a lot of reps, you can definitely cut down your chest and get those nice striations. Just lie on a bench with your arms stretched out at your sides, arms slightly bent, and bring your hands together above you. Make sure you are focusing you attention on tightening the chest mlesucs and ensuring that’s where your movement is coming from, especially as you are releasing back to the rest position.Hope this helps, and good luck!
September 29, 2011
Unfortunately, not everyone digests whey well. If you cramp and swell up with gas after drinking it, those are signs!
However there is good protein available in high quality, low-carbohydrate rice protein. The one I have is made from enzymatically processed whole-grain, sprouted brown rice. One heaping tablespoon (15 grams) of the brand I’m using contains 12 grams of protein and total carbohydrate of 2 grams with 1 gram of dietary fiber. Sweetened (by me) with pure cacao and xylitol, the taste is equivalent to that of the whey, but the effects on my body are so much better!
September 29, 2011
Also, my source of rice protein is vegan. The brand is NutriBiotic.
September 24, 2011
Always look forward to reading your articles and your book on bone health.
I’m for sure going to head to the health store for the Solgar Whey to go.
Thank you again for all you educational material
September 21, 2011
I use on a daily basis Triotein™. This is a high-quality, lactose-free Whey Protein powder that also provides that amino acid substrates needed to stimulate the body’s production of intracellular glutathione peroxidase (GSH)*. Which is the bodies master intracellular anti-oxidant. There are no contra indications to this product except for the following; you should not take this product if you have a milk protein allergy as you will have a reaction, and any one who has had an organ transplant and is receiving immunosuppressant therapy should not take the product.
September 19, 2011
Vivian,
Can you tell me if you use a brand of Almond Milk that doesn’t contain carrageenan? There is controversy regarding its safety and i cannot seem to find any Almond Milk that doesn’t have it in it. Thanks for all the information you provide! Love it!
Donna
February 15, 2013
Whole Foods brand of unsweetened almond milk has no carrageenan
September 19, 2011
I AM CONFUSED ABOUT WHEY DRINKS. DR MERCOLA’S PRODUCT IS NOT HEAT PROCESSED AND ACCORDING TO HIM A MORE HEALTHY PRODUCT. I WANT TO BE AS HEALTHY AS I POSSIBLY CAN. HOW DO I KNOW WHAT IS REALLY TRUE? PLEASE COMMENT
August 29, 2011
I recently bought yogurt with added whey protein. Yotastic! all natural plain nonfat yogurt distributed by Supervalu, Inc.
August 28, 2011
Is whey protein isolate the same as whey protein?
Thanks.
September 3, 2011
Frannie, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate are both whey protein, just obtained by different methods.
September 25, 2011
I found this answer regarding which Whey Protien to use on Mercola’s Newsletter. Maybe it will help the person who ask about the difference about the whey protien and whey isolate.
Hope it can help.
http://proteinpowder.mercola.com/Miracle-Whey-Protein.html
I use his and it makes a nice drink and easy to mix.
August 27, 2011
Please comment on the use of Ultimate Bone Support, recommended by Dr. Nan Fuchs containing Strontium.
Thanks,Joan S
August 28, 2011
Hi Joan- I don’t recommend supplemental strontium. Read http://saveourbones.com/strontium-demistyfied/ to find out why.
August 27, 2011
Hi Vivian Thanks for the articles.Vivian do you have a list of alkaline foods that alternate for the whey protien. Cause I am allergic to milk.
August 28, 2011
Hi Gillian- If you’re allergic to milk products, you don’t have to eat whey. As is the case with all of the individual foods I discuss, whey/lactoferrin is just one option among many, and no one food is required. With the Save Our Bones Program you have everything you need. Thousands of people regained their bone health through the program before I ever mentioned whey or lactoferrin.
August 25, 2011
Vivian,
The GYN just put my sister on something called Fosteum (Geniston). She has good bone density, so I’m wondering what is this medication all about. We have the same doctor, but he never mentioned this product to me.
Judy
August 25, 2011
Interesting article, so I checked into the Solgar whey product and found that it is not vegetarian (essential for me) and contains soy (unspecified if it is from fermented or raw soy) – which also makes a difference as I am in menopause and my Dr. recommends only taking fermented soy; which means no soy milk either.
I agree with a previous post regarding the ethics of consuming animal products (as it is done in our culture). Food is much more than the physical nutrition that it contains – we must consider the energetic properties of what we put into our bodies. Animals used as commodities suffer greatly and it is my belief that their suffering is passed on energetically via the animal-based product consumed. It is no coincidence that many people who eat an animal-based diet are exceedingly unhealthy.
August 24, 2011
Hi Vivian, thank you for this interesting information. I have ordered some colostrum lactoferin capsules a few days ago. It was recommended to protect against swine flu a few years ago and I thought would be good to protect from the winter flu viruses around the corner. I’m very pleased to hear that it’s also good for improving bone density too:-) Rachel
August 24, 2011
I’m very interested in your article today-whey
Protein, I’ll try it. Thank you
August 24, 2011
I am concerned about this whey drink. The reason is this sounds very muck like the Beneprotien drink my mother thad to drink when she had a stage 4 wound. The home health care nurses asked us to stop it because it can damage your kidneys. Until i hear this is not
possible we are not doing it.
August 23, 2011
Thanks for so much useful info. I have been using Bluebonnet’s whey protein isolate with good results…..sweetened with stevia only, tastes great.
August 23, 2011
Thanks for all your information. Does the save our bones eating program help with arthritis. I am developing it in my hands. Many thanks
August 23, 2011
I tried a milk or rice whey product and it caused my coumadin to completely
stop working. It was as if I weren’t even taking the coumadin according
to my INR blood test. I think there was an enzyme responsible for
that. Could that be the cause? Is there a whey product that will not
block my Coumadin?
Thanks for your help,
Carolyn
August 23, 2011
Thanks Vivian. I’m happy to hear I’m doing the right thing. I have been drinking smoothies using Whey Protein Isolate (no sugar), fruit, and almond milk (no sugar) for a couple of years now; along with many other healthy habits for good bone health. So thanks for confirming I’m on the right track. I read all of your emails and they do keep me in line for sure as far as my health goes.
Cathy
August 23, 2011
Vivian,
I appreciate your continuous education to the community; however, you said: “A recent study by researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand found that…..”. How recent? Your references are from 1992, 1994, and 1996.
August 23, 2011
Thanks for the info on whey to go. iHerb.com also carries is now and is in stock. I check with Vitacost and they are out of stock. Almond milk can be purchased at any grocery store. I would think that trying to make it would be a ton of work.
August 23, 2011
I’m confused. Is greek yogurt ok or not. I eat a lot of Fage Total 0% Greek yogurt but am now wondering if I’m doing the wrong thing. Should I switch to just plain non fat yogurt? Am if I eat it in combination with fruits does that destroy the alkalinization effect?
Also do the soy and almond milk need to be plain. I really don’t like the favor of any except vanilla. Is it really bad to drink those?
August 23, 2011
hi vivian is it safe to take the flu shot it is about that time and i would really like to know thank you bea
August 23, 2011
It seems there are many whey products on the market, and some like “anyway” do not contain sweetners of any kind. From reading comments posted here, it looks like we should look for whey that is undenatured and from grass fed cows. I think Vivian could comment further on her Solgar choice and why she cooses that over these other brands. She says nothing about whether it is undenatured or from concentrate, so we are left a little confused reading all the other commnents about which to choose. One person said get Dr. Mercola’s whey as it is the best?
September 19, 2011
APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS. YOUR CONCERNS ARE MINE. I HAVE READ DR MERCOLA’S COMMENTS ALSO. MY OTHER CONCERN ABOUT THE SOLGAR IS THE SOY CONTENT. DO WE USE SOY OR NOT/
September 19, 2011
Donna, turn your caps key off, please. It’s synonymous with shouting.
August 23, 2011
I like to drink almond milk. Can someone please give me the recipe for how to make almond milk. Thank you very much.
March 19, 2012
Almond milk is so easy and inexpensive to make and much more delicious than the processed, packaged product. Soak a small handful of raw almonds in filtered water overnight. Rinse the almonds in the morning. Place in a blender- the high-powered ones like Vitamix or Blendtec work best, of course, but I have used regular blenders as well. It’s helpful to soak and rinse the almonds several times over a couple of days if using a regular blender. Blend at high power until you see the milky consistency. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. That’s it- enjoy! I don’t use sugar, but you may add your own flavours at this point- raw agave, chocolate powder, whatever. I love to blend mine in the Vitamix until the milk warms up and foams- delicious! Why would you want to pay way more money at the grocery store for the watery almond milk from a box?
August 23, 2011
can you please someone give the reciepe for almond milk. thank you
September 24, 2012
Almond Mild
2 cups raw almonds
Filtered water
Soak almonds over night in filtered water. Drain and rinse and put portioned amounts in a high speed blender. Cover with filtered water and blend until creamy and foamy. Strain through fine mesh sieve. Repeat until all almonds are used. If this is too much almond milk at a time, try soaking one cup instead of two. Once all the almonds are blended, I take all of the almond pulp and re-blend it with more water then sieve it again.
Freeze the almond pulp for other uses as it is quite nutritious.
I could not go back to commercially prepared almond milk once I began making my own. It is that delicious.
August 22, 2011
Hi,
Thanks for the compliment I am glad you like to the comments.I really wish u keep on giving these course with some new strategies.appreciate your work, keep it up…..
August 22, 2011
Could you give us a list of all the ingredients in “Whey To Go?”
August 22, 2011
Dear Vivian Goldschmidt,
I read your review of lactoferrin and your conclusions by chance on someone’s else’s email. Interesting, but it fails to address a deeply fundalmental moral and philosophical point: health is not derived entirely by physical process; good health also requires spiritual (not religious) imput. You cannot be entirely healthy while ignoring the moral responsibility we have to other sentient creatures that share this planet. Taking cow’s milk for humans in any form is thief and displays moral turpitude. A calf bonds with its cow mother over a period of eight months (were it allowed to!)Most are stripped from their mothers at 3days in order that the lactating cow can provide milk for humans and whey for ‘healthy’ (sic) bones. Better we suffer than go on perpetuating this cycle of suffering in to ‘other nations’ that inevitably rebounds on humans is ill-health. You need only look to the Bantu women as our model: no milk from other species, no lactoferrin, yet they have some of the healthiest sets of bones in the world. Get your subscribers off their animal protein diets to get them healthy; them get them thinking about what we are doing to the ‘other nations’ and the world and perhaps stopping it in order to get both mental, moral and spiritual health.
Warm wishes,
GF
August 27, 2011
yes, the bobby calf killing is so inhumane. I decided I didn’t want to be part of it
August 25, 2011
I wholeheartedly agree with what you have written, and posted a similar comment.
August 22, 2011
I am taking daily injections of Forteo. Would love to find a natural way to accomplish the same thing. Can I also use Whey to Go ?
August 23, 2011
Just a comment about the fabulous Forteo. I have a relative who was in Forteo for many years she had now broken almost all of her vertabraes and have necrosis (no teeth). so be aware of the benefits of Forteo.
August 22, 2011
So does plain greek yoghurt contain whey at all Vivian?
mary.
August 22, 2011
Hi Mary,
Greek yogurt is strained to remove the whey. That’s actually what differentiates it from “regular” yogurt.
August 22, 2011
Hi! VIVIAN,
I’VE BEEN LOOKING INTO MILK ALTERNATIVES MYSELF. AND ALMOND MILK SOUNDS DELICIOUS! I LOVE ALMONDS ANYWAY! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
LOVE, MS. L.
August 22, 2011
I Vivian, My favorite breakfast is a banana and strawberry smoothie made with almond milk or water with a large scoop of whey protein powder. It really gives me a lift and gets me through the morning. Love your blog. Pax
August 22, 2011
Sounds yummy, Robbie, and great for your bones!
August 22, 2011
Question: what about the watery substance in yogurt. does it contain whey as well?
Thanks- shula
August 22, 2011
I just read about lactoferrin and the recommended product. What options would I have if I am lactose intolerant since this is a whey product. I have switched to almond milk, and can eat cheese and yogurt, but I would be nervous about trying this product, but would like the other benefits in regards to my bone health.
Thank you.
Reepecfilly,
Andrea
August 22, 2011
Andrea, see my response to Dallas and Diane below.
There are no vegan sources of lactoferrin that I’m aware of, but as I told Dallas and Diane, you can definitely be successful on the program without it. Thousands of people regained their bone health on the Save Our Bones Program before I ever mentioned whey or lactoferrin.
August 22, 2011
Andrea,
I am also lactose intolerant but can do Almond milk without a problem (plus it tastes wonderful). I also use a whey protein product (not the one listed though) without a problem as well. Good luck!
August 22, 2011
The whey protein is excellent I am sure, but there are many of us with a whey allergy or food intolerance. Is there some method of getting lactoferrin other than with whey?
May 6, 2012
Hello Niji,Gout is mainly caseus by a diet high in purine foods, such as seafood and meat, and meat organs.Whey protein is a low fat dairy product and actually is recommended for those suffering from gout as it is LOW in purine.So no worries there. But whatever it is, everything should be taken in moderation, including whey.I personally use whey BEFORE and AFTER my workouts. Hope this helps. -2Was this answer helpful?
August 22, 2011
Hi,
You mentioned that Milk is bad for your bones in past info, but that is Milk that has been pasturized. Milk that is fresh is not acidic or the nutrients cooked out of it. Correct? I have dairy goats that we Milk daily. Please clear this confusion.
August 22, 2011
Hi Celeste,
I still don’t recommend dairy milk, but yes, raw goat milk is more alkalizing and much better nutritionally than pasteurized cows’ milk.
August 22, 2011
Goat milk is the closest to human mother’s milk and an excellent replacement for cow’s milk.
August 22, 2011
Vivian, Do you know why you cannot buy the Solgar Whey on the Go Protein powder in Canada?
September 24, 2012
Hi Bernadette, I have found a great whey protein in Canada – Message me if you would like more info.
May 9, 2012
Why would you want to increase your fat???? If you put on wihget it should still be lean muscle not fat. When you gain wihget some will be fat anyway. You won’t build muscle unless you go to the gym anyways. Just practice sound nutrition but eat more often to gain wihget ..but gain good wihget
August 22, 2011
I don’t know why that is the case, Bernadette. But if you do an online search for organic, contaminant free whey, you should be able to find a good source in Canada. Or you could ask at a local health food store or vitamin shop.
August 22, 2011
I use Source Naturals certified organic “Whey to Health” premium protein powder concentrate (not an isolate)from grass fed cows. Contains NOTHING but whey – no hidden sources of msg, no yeast, egg, gluten, corn, soy, wheat, starch preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. I get it at iHerb.com. (where you can also get the blender bottle for $3.50 when ordering the whey right now!)
August 22, 2011
Isn’t buttermilk the same as yogurt, but with the whey left in it? Wouldn’t buttermilk be a good source of whey?
Thanks,
Lynda
August 23, 2011
I am wondering the same thing. I wonder if I can use buttermilk, kefer, or
greek yogurt and get the same effect? I take coumadin, and methotrexate and
don’t want anything in the whey product to interact with the meds.
Carolyn
August 22, 2011
Hi Vivian,
I totally have confidence in YOU! How, do I get to your blog? I want to read about Oscar the Osteoclast, “How Your Bones Renew Themselves: An Inside Look.”
I pass your articles on to three other friends who have been diagnosed with osteopina. One is taking the “forbidden drugs”. His wife took it with no problems. Have not convinced him to get off of them. I guess he’s had no side effects but as you say and I’ve read in other places too they make your bones brittle. Do not want him to fall and won’t say I told you so if he does but. . . . .
My other two friends pay attention to what I send to them. They are NOT on the drugs. And are doing good with diet and weight exercies including yoga.
I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Have not gone back yet for a bone test but I really feel that my bones are stronger. At least my muscles are a lot stronger. I could not do push ups before I started yoga two years ago and NOW I can.
Please let me know how to get to your blog. Thanks. Carole
August 30, 2011
Sorry Carole, I forgot to include the link to Oscar’s post. I’ve edited that, and you can now click on the title (How Your Bones Renew Themselves: An Inside Look) to get to the post.
August 22, 2011
Vivian,
Many thanks for all the wonderful information you share. Have enjoyed watching your website grow, as well as your knowledge base. Have a concern about whey protein. After I had been taking it for about 5-6 months, I started having gout attacks. Couldn’t believe it. I’m not overweight, eat well, take only a thyroid supplement. When I researched whey protein on the internet, began to see that many men were getting gout attacks. My directions said to take about 1/3rd cup, and I still wonder why a light weight person should take as much as a 250 lb. man. Does one size really fit all with this stuff? I started out with Dr. Mercola’s but then switched and became confused over whey “concentrate” vs. “isolate.” I now learn the isolate type can be dangerous– not sure why. I stopped taking the whey powder. Have not had problems since, but was astounded with what happened to me. Perhaps you can enlighten us on safe portions and the right type of Whey. I understand organic fed cows, but how much and what kind? How safe is it?