Science is once again underscoring the wisdom of HMB becoming more commonly used in dietary supplement formulations targeting adult populations. Two new comprehensive reviews highlight its benefits for everyone from older adults to endurance athletes. Those reviews further call attention to exciting new benefits within those two categories.
“Muscle health nutrients were once almost exclusively the domain of sport nutrition. While that remains a very popular market, muscle nutrition for the healthy aging category is growing rapidly,” says Shawn Baier, MS, M.B.A., whose work with TSI Group focuses on maintaining muscle health.
Every adult needs strong, healthy muscles for their quality of life
In less than 10 years, it’s estimated there will be more than 1.4 billion older adults. “Age-related muscle loss will impact all of them, potentially putting even everyday activities out of reach,” comments Baier. “TSI’s myHMB in combination with vitamin D3, has been shown to support muscle health independent of exercise. This review further documented its benefits on specific muscle functions.”
Portuguese university researchers analyzed 14 diverse studies for a review published by Topics in Clinical Nutrition. They noted that more than half of those studies reported that HMB supplementation improved muscle strength and other functional outcomes. Still more studies reported HMB’s positive effects on body composition.
Researchers also commented on new and updated evidence not previously included in HMB reviews. They examined studies demonstrating that HMB improves physical functionality such as gait speed, Time Up-and Go (TUG), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests.
HMB may use multiple pathways to boost endurance athletes’ performance
A systematic review and meta analysis published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research highlighted even more benefits of HMB for endurance athletes, beyond its muscle mass benefits.
“One of the most interesting aspects of this review is the discussion of how HMB improves physical performance potentially through different physiological pathways, including HMB’s impact on oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and time to exhaustion,” says Baier.
After reviewing 11 studies involving 279 participants, the researchers concluded that HMB ingestion produced significant improvements in endurance performance and VO2 max. They further noted that HMB may enhance performance through mechanisms beyond VO2 max improvement, including enhanced glycogen storage and post-training recovery.
TSI remains committed to actively supporting HMB with science
“TSI’s primary scientific investigations, combined with those of qualified researchers from throughout the world, have elevated HMB to a highly regarded muscle health supplement,” concludes Baier. “Reviews such as these reinforce and reinvigorate the research, because they underscore HMB’s tremendous potential.”
TSI’s myHMB is the only USP-verified and Informed Ingredient HMB ingredient on the market. It is clinically supported for products related to active lifestyles, healthy aging, sport performance and body composition among others.
Ask us about formulating with myHMB.
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