Ingredients · HMB · Research
Clinical research

What does the research say about HMB?

strong evidence

β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate is the leucine metabolite that signals muscle preservation. Most effective in catabolic states, older adults, illness, bed rest, calorie deficit.

Best-evidenced use cases
  • Older adults preventing sarcopenia
  • Calorie deficit / cutting phases
  • Recovery from immobilization or illness
  • Beginner trainees
  • Reducing exercise-induced muscle damage

3 key studies

Search PubMed for more
  • 01Meta-analysis2015Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

    HMB and muscle in older adults: meta-analysis

    Wu et al.
    Sample
    7 RCTs · 287 older adults
    Dose
    3 g/day
    Duration
    8 weeks-1 year
    Key finding

    HMB significantly preserved lean body mass in older adults, with the largest effects in those with sarcopenia or undergoing periods of inactivity.

    Read on PubMed
  • 02RCT2013Clinical Nutrition

    HMB during bed rest in elderly

    Deutz et al.
    Sample
    24 healthy older adults
    Dose
    3 g/day HMB
    Duration
    10 days bed rest + recovery
    Key finding

    HMB completely prevented the loss of lean leg mass during 10 days of bed rest, while placebo group lost significant muscle. Striking effect in catabolic state.

    Read on PubMed
  • 03Systematic Review2013Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

    HMB and resistance exercise: ISSN position

    Wilson et al.
    Sample
    Multiple RCTs reviewed
    Dose
    3 g/day
    Duration
    Variable
    Key finding

    HMB enhanced training adaptations in untrained and elderly populations. Smaller effects in well-trained athletes, but useful during high-volume phases.

    Read on PubMed
How we read the research

We prioritize randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses over single observational studies. Animal and in-vitro data are listed as "mechanistic", they suggest direction, not human effect size.

What we don't do

We don't cherry-pick favourable studies, omit conflicting evidence, or cite industry-funded trials without flagging the conflict of interest where known.

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Studies referenced are real published research. Summaries are paraphrased for accessibility, for exact methods and full text, click through to PubMed. Educational use only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any new supplement.