Elite infantry soldiers were supplemented with either HMB free acid (BetaTOR) or a placebo and underwent an advanced military training, which consisted of periods of restricted sleep and severe environmental stressors.  Over the 23-day study the researchers saw a decrease in the insulin growth factor binding protein number 7 (IGFBP-7). The reduction in this protein indicated a reduced stress response, and warrants further investigation into the physiological role of HMB free acid (BetaTOR) in reducing stress during intense military training protocols.