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 Osteoporosis Reversal 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!
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 https://www.consumerreports.org/health/natural-health/protein-drinks/whats-in-your-protein-drink/index.htm
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In the study that suggests milk is bad for bones it was thought that the real problem was galactose. Whey is mostly protein AND lactose. In the body, the lactose is broken down to glucose and galactose, the very thing believed to cause the increase in fractures.
Based on this, it appears your logic and justification of whey drained from yogurt while condemning milk is flawed.
I really don’t understand why people buy whey protein powders and other commercially produced products – what do you think people were eating before all these was made?
I grew up on fermented curd and whey milk, so did my mother and grandmother and people for thousands of years before me.
If you want a natural and organic whey – make your own by learning how to ferment milk, and use any milk you like, you can also use coconut or almond milk if you prefer. And you control what’s in it as it will not have any harmful additives.
Make your own milk kefir or water kefir (for which you need to have a starter – but do not use a powdered kefir starter , use the real stuff), make kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, apple cider vinegar, whatever you like – rather than buying commercially produced expensive products – and it is much cheaper as well, to make sauerkraut you only need cabbage and unrefined salt!
I never use any powdered starters and do not recommend them, our ancestors did not either, however they lived on fermented foods as a staple which enriches and makes the food easier to digest – that’s why whey is so good for you!
Google the benefits of fermented products and how to make them, there are free recipes on internet.
Don’t make someone else rich by eating their unhealthy products which do not give you any benefits.
Here is your answer, enjoy!
Any milk? What in the world are you talking about. Getting curds and whey from commercial is like getting eggs from chickens who spend their entire life in a tiny pen. Commercial milk rots, it doesn’t turn into curds and whey. I was looking for raw milk in Tennessee and was told there was a Monastery up in the hills. I went there and was given three gallons in glass jugs, the brother were amazingly kind and generous. We went through two of the jugs of raw milk and I forgot about the third. One day I opened the trunk and noted another container of milk was there but the top of the jug had been neatly separated without a hint of shattered glass and what remained was curds. I was on the verge of tossing the curds but something said, “Taste them.” I did and wiped out about a pint in less than minute, it was delicious but it needed air and the bounce of the car gave it added energy and the result was delicious. My kids and wife ate the rest during the day and I realized I would always have curds but mostly whey. What do now I make yogurt from raw milk, then in 24 hours after the yogurt is completely ready, I put the yogurt already separating some of the whey and put it in a cheese cloth. In about half a day, I have a pint from a quart o yogurt and the yogurt I now Greek yogurt, but it’s the whey that matters. Greek yogurt company toss the whey since don’t know what to do with it, though they try to make palatable whey protein but they use crap milk and such milk has pesticides, growth hormones and other nasty stuff., Make yogurt from certified raw milk on pasture and separate the curd portion from the mix and drink the whey liquid. Forget about whey protein, too much processing, go for the liquid whey.
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HI Vivian
thanks so much for all your valuable information and support. I am totally committed to building my bones up naturally without drugs, and your articles are so important
and give me hope when even my own husband thinks its impossible to cure osteo
without drugs
I am very keen on bodybuilding. I am doing it for four years now. During these four years I realised that the best supplements you can find are here https://www.synthetek.com/products/synthepure-whey-protein-isolate/
I use almost all of their products and I see bigger results that I have expected.
I’m extremely sensitive to MILK PROTEINS, not necessarily the lactose in milk, therefore both Casein and Whey are a super no-no for me. As well, casein is implicated in many health problems and I would not recommend it to anyone.
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?
I enjoy every day reading your articles. Thank you.
Vivian,
I observed that you have not answered the question regarding the Solgar’s Whey to Go contents. Why is that?
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?
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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!
Also, my source of rice protein is vegan. The brand is NutriBiotic.
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
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.
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
Whole Foods brand of unsweetened almond milk has no carrageenan
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
I recently bought yogurt with added whey protein. Yotastic! all natural plain nonfat yogurt distributed by Supervalu, Inc.
Is whey protein isolate the same as whey protein?
Thanks.
Frannie, whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate are both whey protein, just obtained by different methods.
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.
https://proteinpowder.mercola.com/Miracle-Whey-Protein.html
I use his and it makes a nice drink and easy to mix.