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| HMB, contrary to what some supplement manufacturers would like you to believe, does not stand for Human Muscle Builder–although in essence, that’s what it does. Clinical Research by Neissen, et al., has shown beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate to increase muscle mass, decrease body fat, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, and lower blood cholesterol. HMB is produced in the liver and muscles from the amino acid leucine after it has been metabolized into alpha-ketoisocaprate (KIC). Although scientists do not know exactly how HMB works, it is known that HMB is anti-catabolic, or slows the breakdown of muscle during workouts.
HMB, along with creatine, is considered one of the two most important supplements an athlete can use. In 1995, three groups of volunteers were given either a placebo, 1.5 grams of HMB, or 3 grams of HMB daily for a three week period, during which they all exercised. The group given the placebo gained .88 lb. of muscle mass through exercising alone; the group taking 1.5 grams of HMB gained 1.76 lbs. of muscle mass. The group taking 3 grams of HMB gained 2.64 lbs. of muscle mass–3 times the muscle mass gained by the group using exercise alone. Similar results were shown for increase of strength and decrease of body fat. There was no indication that more than 3 grams a day would improve performance. To achieve results, exercise was necessary, and HMB had to be taken daily, not just on exercise days.
References: Passwater, Richard A., Ph.D. and John Fuller, Jr., Ph.D., “Building Muscle Mass, Performance and Health With HMB,” 1997. Phillips, Bill, “Sports Supplement Review,3rd Issue,” 1997.
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