What are the facts on this “new” supplement, HMB, or beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate ? In this vid, you’ll learn the facts on this supplement and know the reality from marketing BS.
NOTE: Study mentioned in this vid (Eur J Appl Physiol. 2014 Mar 6. The effects of 12 weeks of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate free acid supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and power in resistance-trained individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study) used 3g of of HMB in a free acid form (HMB-FA) — the free form of HMB which may have a superior bioavailability over calcium bound HMB. However, vast majority of studies used calcium bound HMB and it’s unclear if the form used in this study was an essential factor to the results. To date, no studies have compared the two forms head to head in terms of effects on body comp, strength, etc.
Will Brink is the owner of the Brinkzone Blog. Will has over 30 years experience as a respected author, columnist and consultant, to the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published. Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences, and is a consultant to major supplement, dairy, and pharmaceutical companies.
His often ground breaking articles can be found in publications such as Lets Live, Muscle Media 2000, MuscleMag International, The Life Extension Magazine, Muscle n Fitness, Inside Karate, Exercise For Men Only, Body International, Power, Oxygen, Penthouse, Women’s World and The Townsend Letter For Doctors.
He’s also been published in peer reviewed journals.
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You mentioned older individuals as a special population in terms of HMB. Can you define what you mean by “older”? Is that 65+?
Not that easy to state in terms of a specific number as it varies for different people. Read my article on Sarcopenia which will show up on a search for more info on age related loss of muscle mass. I’d include HMB as a supplement worth adding to the others in that article.
Hey Will, thanks for the info, but what do you mean with “catabolic wasting diseases” at 2:40?
diseases that are known to result in severe loss of lean body mass. Cancers, infections, HIV, etc. HMB may be helpful in those diseases but further studies needed.
I do not have those diseases, but I do lack lean body mass and I feel that my body is not handling the nutritiens well, eg not absorbing enough nutritients and minerals into blood. I eat well but I think my body is not cooperating hmm..
Will – can you speak on upper levels of taking this supplement, and the potential side effects? I believe HMB was banned by the military about 2 or 3 years ago. I am not sure whether this was taken in concert with a second supplement, or not, or what the dosage was. I DO know, there were tremendous size gains made on HMB, but, something triggered it being banned… sorry I cannot provide more information than that. Also, should blood work be involved (as usual)? Anything you can let us know is always greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
I’m not aware of any side effects associated to HMB.