- Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (hydroxymethylbutyrate, or HMB) a breakdown product of the amino acid leucine. It can be found naturally in small quantities in grapefruit, alfalfa, and catfish.
- HMB is also naturally synthesized in the human body. Production of HMB occurs in the muscle and liver, and it is believed to be involved in muscle protein synthesis. Currently, HMB is widely available and a popular supplement among athletes, especially bodybuilders.
- Clinical trials have also reported HMB to be effective when used orally, in combination with amino acids, to prevent cachexia (loss of muscle) in patients with AIDS, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary clinical evidence has indicated that HMB may lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
← Back to Monographs
ingredients
Hydroxymethylbutyrate
Contents
- Flakoll P, Sharp R, Baier S, et al. Effect of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, arginine, and lysine supplementation on strength, functionality, body composition, and protein metabolism in elderly women. Nutrition 2004;20(5):445-451. View Abstract
- Hoffman JR, Cooper J, Wendell M, et al. Effects of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate on power performance and indices of muscle damage and stress during high-intensity training. J Strength Cond Res 2004;18(4):747-752. View Abstract
- Marcora S, Lemmey A, Maddison P. Dietary treatment of rheumatoid cachexia with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, glutamine and arginine: a randomised controlled trial. Clin Nutr 2005;24(3):442-454. View Abstract
- May PE, Barber A, D'Olimpio JT, et al. Reversal of cancer-related wasting using oral supplementation with a combination of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, arginine, and glutamine. Am J Surg 2002;183(4):471-479. View Abstract
- Palisin T, Stacy JJ. Beta-hydroxy-beta-Methylbutyrate and its use in athletics. Curr Sports Med Rep 2005;4(4):220-223. View Abstract
- Payne ET, Yasuda N, Bourgeois JM, et al. Nutritional therapy improves function and complements corticosteroid intervention in mdx mice. Muscle Nerve 2006;33(1):66-77. View Abstract
- Ransone J, Neighbors K, Lefavi R, et al. The effect of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate on muscular strength and body composition in collegiate football players. J Strength Cond Res 2003;17(1):34-39. View Abstract
- Rathmacher JA, Nissen S, Panton L, et al. Supplementation with a combination of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), arginine, and glutamine is safe and could improve hematological parameters. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2004;28(2):65-75. View Abstract
- Siddiqui R, Pandya D, Harvey K, et al. Nutrition modulation of cachexia/proteolysis. Nutr Clin Pract 2006;21(2):155-167. View Abstract
- Smith HJ, Mukerji P, Tisdale MJ. Attenuation of proteasome-induced proteolysis in skeletal muscle by {beta}-hydroxy-{beta}-methylbutyrate in cancer-induced muscle loss. Cancer Res 2005;65(1):277-283. View Abstract
- Smith HJ, Wyke SM, Tisdale MJ. Mechanism of the attenuation of proteolysis-inducing factor stimulated protein degradation in muscle by beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate. Cancer Res 2004;64(23):8731-8735. View Abstract
- Thomson JS. beta-Hydroxy-beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation of resistance trained men. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2004;13(Suppl):S59. View Abstract
- Tisdale MJ. Clinical anticachexia treatments. Nutr Clin Pract 2006;21(2):168-174. View Abstract
- Tisdale MJ. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway as a therapeutic target for muscle wasting. J Support Oncol 2005;3(3):209-217. View Abstract
- van Someren KA, Edwards AJ, Howatson G. Supplementation with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and alpha-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) reduces signs and symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage in man. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2005;15(4):413-424. View Abstract
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
