The authors examined seven clinical trials, performing a meta-analysis which included data from 147 HMB-supplemented and 140 control supplemented adults over 65 years of age.  The results of the meta-analysis showed that HMB supplementation increased lean mass compared with placebo supplementation while no difference in fat mass was found. In conclusion these studies demonstrated the ability of HMB to preserve lean mass in the elderly, which could be particularly useful in preventing loss of muscle due to inactivity or other factors.