The authors conducted a literature review of 750 articles, revised and approved by the ISSN research council and editors and published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
“The volume of research has increased exponentially since the last Position Stand was published in 2013,” lead author John A. Rathmacher, Ph.D., director of clinical research and laboratory services at MTI BioTech, Inc., said in a press release.
“Now there are two to three papers a month related to HMB, focusing on everything from the mechanism of action to newer publications on its benefits for older adults and aging athletes, mitigating muscle loss and its positive impact on muscle function and strength,” he added.
With extensive experience in HMB research, Dr. Rathmacher studied under the direction of Dr. Steven Nissen, who discovered HMB and founded MTI Biotech in 1990. The company is now part of TSI Group, which markets the supplement under the brand name myHMB.
Key takeaways
The key takeaways of the final summary and conclusion are as follows:
● HMB is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine produced naturally in our body. Two forms have been studied: calcium HMB (HMB-Ca) and HMB (HMB-FA), the latter of which may show increased amounts in the bloodstream.
● According to available data, both forms are safe for oral use for up to at least a year.
● HMB may improve glucose metabolism in younger adults, and there are no negative effects on insulin sensitivity.
● There is a dual mechanism of enhancing muscle protein synthesis and suppressing breakdown while also being anti-inflammatory. These effects may promote muscle growth, repair and recovery, and reduce damage.
● Supplementing 38 mg/kg body weight daily in combination with exercise may improve body composition in a wide range of people. Taking the supplement close to exercise for either shorter or longer periods may be beneficial.
● HMB may benefit sedentary and aging populations, as well as those with sarcopenia, particularly when combined with exercise.
● HMB modulation of mitochondrial and lipid metabolism may mitigate muscle atrophy due to illness or injury and promote rehabilitation.
● HMB may be effective in combination with specific nutrients.
Future directions
Dr. Rathmacher highlighted the “tremendous potential of this versatile ingredient,” noting that people of retirement age are keen to support healthy aging by investing in supplements, and researchers are studying HMB in these populations.
“I can also see the value in research focusing on HMB’s ability to counter muscle atrophy due to disuse, whether that’s in injured athletes who are starting to lose muscle mass or in seniors due to knee replacements, etc,” he said.
Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition22(1), doi: 10.1080/15502783.2024.2434734, “International society of sports nutrition position stand: β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB).”, Authors: J. A. Rathmacher et al.