Raw Milk & Bone Healing: What the Science Actually Shows

Bone Healing Longevity Health & Nutrition Supplements Lactoferrin Colostrum

Raw-milk advocates often claim there’s a “special protein” in raw dairy that can trigger bone growth and speed fracture healing. When you trace that claim back to actual science, it usually leads to two things: lactoferrin and bovine colostrum. Both are genuinely interesting. But that doesn’t mean you need raw milk in your fridge to heal a bone.

Quick Summary

• Bone healing depends on total nutrition, protein, minerals, vitamins (D, K2, C), hormones, and mechanical loading — not a single “magic” food.
• Pasteurization barely changes milk’s protein, calcium, or phosphorus content and doesn’t erase its core bone-supporting nutrients.
• Lactoferrin is a powerful iron-binding protein that supports bone formation, immunity, and gut health — and it’s naturally abundant in colostrum.
• Bovine colostrum supplements already contain lactoferrin, so most people don’t need both a colostrum supplement and a separate lactoferrin product.
• Raw milk carries real risks of serious infection, especially for kids, older adults, and anyone medically fragile.
• You can get the benefits of lactoferrin and colostrum through standardized supplements plus pasteurized dairy — without raw-milk risk.

1. Why raw milk became “bone-healing” on the internet

Raw-milk marketing usually leans on a simple story:

• “Raw milk has special growth proteins that build bone (like lactoferrin and colostrum factors).”
• “Pasteurization destroys these proteins and leaves dead milk.”
• “Therefore raw milk heals bones in a way pasteurized milk can’t.”

Those claims are testable. When you look at actual nutrition and bone-biology research, the picture is more nuanced:

The short version: there are powerful proteins in milk — especially in colostrum — that influence bone and immune function. But the best evidence for those benefits comes from standardized lactoferrin and colostrum supplements, not from drinking random raw milk out of a jar.

2. What bones actually need to heal

Before arguing raw vs pasteurized, it helps to zoom out. Bone repair is a complex, energy-hungry process. Your body needs:

• Enough calories – deep caloric deficits slow healing.
• Protein – to rebuild the collagen matrix that bone mineral sits on.
• Minerals – especially calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
• Vitamin D – for calcium absorption and bone turnover regulation.
• Vitamin K2 – to help direct calcium into bone, not soft tissues.
• Vitamin C, zinc, copper, B-vitamins – co-factors for collagen and tissue repair.
• Mechanical loading & rehab – guided weight-bearing tells the body where to lay down new bone.
• Balanced hormones & controlled inflammation – growth hormone, IGF-1, sex hormones, and immune signals all play a role.

Milk — raw or pasteurized — can contribute protein, calcium, and phosphorus, and (if fortified) vitamin D. It’s a useful tool, but it’s still just one piece of a much bigger bone-healing puzzle.

3. Raw vs pasteurized milk: what actually changes?

Pasteurization is deliberately gentle. It heats milk long enough to kill dangerous bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter, while minimizing damage to nutrients.

Component	Raw Milk	Pasteurized Milk
Protein (incl. casein & whey)	Present	Very similar
Calcium & phosphorus	High	High (largely unchanged)
Lactose	Present	Present
Core micronutrients	Present	Mostly preserved
Live bacteria (incl. pathogens)	Yes	Killed

Large reviews from public-health agencies consistently find no meaningful advantage of raw milk over pasteurized milk for general nutrition or bone health — but a clear increase in infection risk for raw milk, especially in children and medically vulnerable people.

Key safety point: raw milk outbreaks have caused severe illness, kidney failure, and death. The risk is low on any given day, but when you’re talking about a child with a fracture or recent surgery, it’s a gamble you don’t need to take.

3.1 What about enzymes and “good bacteria” in raw milk?

Raw milk advocates are right about one thing: pasteurization does inactivate many native enzymes and kill live bacteria. Where the story goes off the rails is the jump from that fact to “pasteurized milk is dead and useless.”

Enzymes: what really changes and why it’s not a deal-breaker

Raw milk contains several natural enzymes, including lipase, alkaline phosphatase, lactoperoxidase, and various proteases. Pasteurization inactivates many of these — especially lipase and alkaline phosphatase — and food scientists actually use the loss of alkaline phosphatase activity as a quality check that pasteurization was effective.

For human digestion, this isn’t a problem. Your stomach acid denatures most incoming enzymes, and your own pancreas supplies powerful digestive enzymes (lipase, proteases, amylase) that do almost all of the work of breaking down fat, protein, and carbohydrate. Inactivating milk lipase is actually helpful for shelf life, because active lipase in stored milk quickly creates rancid, off flavors.

Large reviews of pasteurization show that while a few heat-sensitive vitamins (like some B vitamins and vitamin C) drop slightly, the overall nutritional value and digestibility of milk proteins, fat, calcium, and phosphorus are largely preserved. In other words, pasteurized milk is still a very effective way to deliver bone-relevant nutrients — you’re not drinking “dead” milk.

“Good bacteria” in raw milk vs real probiotics

Raw milk does have a complex microbiota. It often contains lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus and Lactococcus species, and some of these strains can have probiotic potential. In fact, researchers frequently isolate new probiotic candidates from raw milk before growing them in controlled conditions.

But there are three big problems with using raw milk itself as your “probiotic”:

• The bacteria mix is uncontrolled – lactic acid bacteria, spoilage organisms, and dangerous pathogens can all be present together, and the balance changes from batch to batch.
• Studies and public-health agencies consistently point out that raw milk is not a reliable probiotic food; any beneficial bacteria are inconsistent and coexist with germs that can cause severe illness.
• We already have safer ways to get probiotics: yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods made from pasteurized milk, where specific probiotic strains are added and allowed to multiply to high counts — or simply high-quality probiotic supplements.

So yes, raw milk contains enzymes and some potentially beneficial bacteria. But they don’t offer unique, proven health benefits that justify the much higher risk of infection — especially when you can get probiotics from fermented pasteurized dairy and gut-friendly bacteria from targeted supplements without gambling on pathogens.

4. Does milk itself speed bone healing?

Two separate questions often get blurred together:

1. Does drinking milk help build or maintain stronger bones over time?
2. Does drinking more milk after a fracture make it heal faster?

For long-term bone health, higher dairy intake (especially milk and yogurt) is often associated with better bone mineral density and fewer stress fractures in kids, teens, and some adults. For hip fractures in older adults, the data are mixed and not as impressive.

For fracture healing speed specifically, direct human trials are limited. Most clinical guidance (“drink milk for your bones”) is based on nutrient logic: milk is a convenient way to get protein, calcium, and sometimes vitamin D. Helpful? Yes. A magic bone-healing drink? No.

And critically, there’s no good evidence showing that raw milk heals fractures faster than pasteurized milk combined with a well-planned diet.

5. Meet lactoferrin: the “bone-active” protein everyone is talking about

Lactoferrin (LF) is a bioactive, iron-binding glycoprotein found in high amounts in colostrum and smaller amounts in mature milk. It’s part of the transferrin family and has a long list of effects:

Binds iron (limits fuel for pathogens) Antibacterial & antiviral Anti-inflammatory Immunomodulatory Supports gut barrier Bone-active

5.1 Lactoferrin and bone cells

In bone biology, lactoferrin is unusually powerful:

• It stimulates osteoblasts (the cells that build bone), increasing their proliferation and differentiation and reducing their rate of apoptosis (cell death).
• It inhibits osteoclastogenesis — the formation of osteoclasts, which break down bone — shifting the balance toward net bone formation.
• Recent reviews summarize that lactoferrin is expressed in bone cells and modulates bone remodeling through multiple signaling pathways, including OPG/RANKL/RANK.

5.2 Animal studies: lactoferrin and fracture healing

In animal models, the bone effects are even more striking:

• Osteoporotic rats given oral bovine lactoferrin show faster fracture healing and improved bone quality.
• Locally applied lactoferrin in a hydrogel can enhance bone regeneration in critical-size bone defects.
• Oral lactoferrin preserves bone mass and improves bone microarchitecture in several osteoporotic models, likely by boosting bone formation and reducing bone resorption.

We’re still waiting on large, long-term human fracture-healing trials, but mechanistically, lactoferrin is one of the most interesting bone-active proteins discovered in the last few decades.

5.3 Beyond bones: lactoferrin for immune and gut health

Lactoferrin isn’t just about bone. Human trials and systematic reviews suggest it also:

• Supports immune function and may reduce the incidence or duration of respiratory infections, especially in vulnerable groups.
• Helps maintain immune readiness by supporting plasmacytoid dendritic cell activity.
• Modulates inflammation and oxidative stress, acting as a natural immune regulator.
• Supports gut barrier integrity and healthy microbiota by limiting pathogen adhesion and binding free iron.

That’s why you’ll see lactoferrin marketed not just for bone health, but also for immune support, gut health, and skin.

6. Bovine colostrum: lactoferrin plus a whole bioactive cocktail

Bovine colostrum is the very first milk a cow produces after giving birth. It’s naturally loaded with:

• Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM)
• Growth factors (IGF-1, TGF-β, and others)
• Cytokines and peptides
• Lactoferrin
• Vitamins, minerals, and enzymes

Reviews consistently describe bovine colostrum as a dense mix of bioactive compounds that support immunity, gut barrier function, tissue repair, and growth.

6.1 Colostrum already contains lactoferrin

This is a critical point many influencer videos skip:

Colostrum supplements naturally contain lactoferrin. High-quality bovine colostrum powders are essentially a “whole-food” source of lactoferrin plus immunoglobulins and growth factors.

Practically, this means:

• If you’re using a good bovine colostrum supplement, you’re already getting lactoferrin.
• You usually do not need a separate lactoferrin supplement unless a practitioner is targeting a specific, higher lactoferrin dose.

Recommended Colostrum Supplement:
For a safe, standardized source of lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and growth factors (without the risks of raw milk), here’s a trusted colostrum option:
High-Quality Bovine Colostrum Supplement on Amazon

6.2 Colostrum and bone healing

Colostrum’s bone benefits likely come from both its lactoferrin content and its growth factors (like IGF-1), which can influence cartilage, bone, and connective-tissue repair.

• Early trials in orthopedic patients suggest that bovine colostrum supplementation may improve early rehabilitation outcomes and markers consistent with better bone remodeling compared with whey protein alone.
• Preclinical work suggests colostrum-derived factors can support bone cell proliferation and early callus formation during healing.

We still need more large human trials, but early data support the idea that colostrum may be a helpful adjunct in bone healing, not a replacement for medical care, rehab, or adequate calories.

6.3 Colostrum beyond bones: gut, immune & athletic recovery

Bovine colostrum has also been studied in athletes and other populations for its effects on immunity and gut health:

• Trials in endurance athletes show that colostrum can support mucosal immunity and reduce exercise-related immune suppression.
• Longer-term supplementation has been associated with favorable shifts in immune markers and iron-related parameters in young athletes.
• Reviews highlight bovine colostrum’s ability to support gut barrier integrity, modulate microbiota, and help with GI repair.

In other words, colostrum can be seen as a multi-system recovery tool: bone, soft tissue, gut, and immune support — with lactoferrin as one of its key active components.

6.4 How to choose a quality colostrum supplement

If you decide to use colostrum, a few simple filters can help you choose better products:

• Source & processing: look for low-heat processing and clear information on how the colostrum is dried (spray- or freeze-dried).
• Third-party testing: prefer brands that test for contaminants and publish quality data.
• Minimal fillers: avoid products loaded with sugars, artificial flavors, or unnecessary additives.
• Transparent labeling: some brands report IgG or lactoferrin content per serving — helpful if you’re stacking for bone or immune goals.

7. Why raw milk is still a bad idea as a “therapy”

None of the lactoferrin or colostrum research requires raw milk. In fact, most of it uses:

• Purified bovine lactoferrin powder
• Standardized, tested bovine colostrum powder or capsules

Meanwhile, raw milk brings avoidable risk:

• Surveillance data show raw dairy is over-represented in outbreaks of E. coli (including strains causing hemolytic uremic syndrome and kidney failure), Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria.
• Outbreak reports often involve children, pregnant women, or older adults — exactly the groups you least want exposed during bone healing or after surgery.

7.1 What raw milk might offer (with big caveats)

Some large European “farm-life” studies have observed that children growing up on farms — many of whom drink raw milk — have lower rates of asthma and allergies. Raw-milk advocates often point to this as proof that raw milk is uniquely protective.

But those same children are also exposed to barn dust, animals, soil microbes, and outdoor air almost constantly. Even the researchers behind these studies emphasize that:

• The protective effect is likely due to the overall farm environment, not raw milk alone.
• These observational findings do not override the well-documented risks of serious infection from raw milk.

In other words, the tiny chance of some immune benefit is not worth trading for the very real possibility of a severe, sometimes life-threatening infection — especially when you can get probiotic and immune support in safer, more controlled ways.

When you realize you can access the same key proteins (lactoferrin, growth factors, immunoglobulins) through standardized colostrum and lactoferrin supplements — plus the protein and minerals of pasteurized dairy — the raw-milk “trade” (small theoretical benefit vs serious infection risk) just doesn’t make sense.

8. How to get lactoferrin & colostrum benefits without raw milk

8.1 Use pasteurized dairy as your base

For bone healing and long-term bone strength, pasteurized dairy can still be incredibly useful:

• Milk (ideally vitamin-D fortified)
• Greek yogurt or strained yogurt for higher protein
• Kefir for probiotics plus protein and minerals
• Cheese in moderate amounts

These give you:

• High-quality protein to support collagen and muscle around the injured area
• Calcium and phosphorus for mineralization
• Vitamin D (if fortified) to support absorption and bone turnover

You can then “stack” colostrum or lactoferrin supplements on top of that foundation if appropriate.

8.2 When to consider lactoferrin supplements

A stand-alone lactoferrin supplement may be worth discussing with a practitioner if:

• There’s a specific goal around respiratory or immune support (for example, frequent infections).
• You want to more closely match doses used in bone or immune studies, which can be higher than what typical colostrum servings provide.
• You can’t tolerate dairy proteins broadly, but can use a purified, low-lactose lactoferrin product.

Note: Human trials are still developing — many are small or focused on biomarkers rather than hard outcomes. Lactoferrin should be seen as an adjunct, not a solo cure for bone disease, infection, or autoimmunity.

8.3 When colostrum alone is enough

In many real-world scenarios, a well-formulated bovine colostrum supplement is the more efficient option:

• It already includes lactoferrin (often at meaningful levels).
• Plus immunoglobulins, growth factors, and other peptides that support gut, immune, and tissue repair.
• Some products are processed gently (low-heat, spray- or freeze-dried) to preserve bioactive compounds.

For a typical person recovering from a fracture or surgery — with no special chronic immune issue — something like:

• Pasteurized dairy (or non-dairy equivalents) to cover protein, calcium, and D, plus
• Bovine colostrum supplement for lactoferrin + immune/gut support

is usually a more rational and safer strategy than trying to “biohack” bone healing through raw milk.

9. Supplement stack for bone healing (example)

This is a general educational example, not personal medical advice. Always clear supplements with your healthcare team, especially after surgery or with existing conditions.

• Base diet: high-protein meals with pasteurized dairy (or equivalents), fruits, vegetables, and adequate calories to avoid deep energy deficits.
• Comprehensive micronutrient support: a well-designed vitamin/mineral pack to cover zinc, magnesium, B-vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals. One example is Animal Pak , which provides broad-spectrum nutrients that support recovery.
• Colostrum: 1–2 servings per day of a bovine colostrum supplement for lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and growth factors (as tolerated and approved by your clinician).
• Vitamin D + K2: dosed based on bloodwork, to optimize calcium handling and bone turnover (under professional guidance).
• Collagen + vitamin C: optional support for collagen matrix in bone, tendons, and ligaments.

This kind of stack is intended to support the healing process — it doesn’t replace surgical repair, medical treatment, or physical therapy, but it can help your body have the raw materials and signals it needs to rebuild.

Supplement Spotlight: If you want an all-in-one way to cover essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and recovery nutrients during bone healing, see my full review here: Animal Pak – Complete Vitamin & Mineral Pack .

Bottom line: lactoferrin and bovine colostrum really do have exciting science behind them — for bones, immune function, and gut health. But you don’t need raw milk to access those benefits. In fact, you’re usually better off getting them from standardized colostrum and lactoferrin supplements, layered on top of a solid, pasteurized-dairy-based nutrition plan.

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Helpful Resources

• Animal Pak: Full Review & Nutrient Breakdown
• Best Bovine Colostrum Supplement (Amazon)