myHMB Science and
Clinical Research

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 20 untrained men were randomized to receive either 1.5 g/day of HMB or placebo for 2 weeks before performing eccentric elbow flexor exercise. Researchers measured muscle strength, range of motion, arm circumference, and muscle soreness for 5 days after exercise. The HMB group showed less reduction in muscle strength and better range of motion compared to placebo. The study suggests low-dose HMB may help support muscle function and joint flexibility following eccentric exercise.

In this year-long study of 117 older adults (≥60 y) were studies in four treatment arms: 1) 3 g HMB plus 2,000 IU Vitamin D per day with exercise; 2) 3 g HMB plus 2,000 IU Vitamin D per day with no exercise; 3) Placebo with exercise; and 4) Placebo with no exercise.  All participants had baseline Vitamin D levels from 15-30 ng/mL, which would be considered insufficient for optimal physical functioning.  HMB plus Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased lean mass within the non-exercising group at 6 months.  Additionally, in the non-exercising groups knee extension peak torque (60⁰/s) was significantly improved at 3 months in the HMB plus Vitamin D group compared with the non-exercising placebo group.  A functional index of the physical tests, which included handgrip strength, get up, and get up and go measurements, showed that HMB plus Vitamin D resulted in a significant increase in the functional index at 3, 6, and 12 months of the study.  The authors concluded that HMB plus Vitamin D could enhance muscle strength and physical function in older adults even without engaging in an exercise program.