Supplementation With HMB May Help Increase Lean Muscle Mass in Mature Adults

Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine. According to a recent study, supplementation with HMB may help increase lean muscle mass in mature adults.

For their study, the researchers reviewed 9 clinical trials. The trials included 448 participants with an average age of 65. Participants were given HMB supplements ranging from 1.5 g/day to 3 g/day and lean muscle mass was measured at baseline and at the end of the study period.

The researchers found that supplementation with HMB significantly increased lean muscle mass in mature adults compared to the control groups. No effect was seen on fat mass and HMB supplementation combined with exercise intervention showed no additional benefit on lean muscle mass.

The study was conducted by researchers from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. It was published online ahead of print on April 12, 2021 in the journal European Geriatric Medicine.