myHMB® (HMB) - The Muscle Health Solution

HMB stands for β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate. It is a naturally occurring metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine. The body produces small amounts of HMB during leucine metabolism, and HMB can also be consumed through dietary supplements.

HMB has been studied for its role in supporting muscle protein metabolism, muscle strength, recovery, physical performance, and healthy muscle function. Research has evaluated HMB in athletes, active adults, older adults, and other populations.

Calcium HMB (CaHMB) is the calcium salt form of HMB and is commonly available as a powder. HMB free acid (HMB-FA) is the free-acid form of HMB. Research has shown differences in absorption and plasma availability between the two forms.

(Fuller et al., 2011)
(Fuller et al., 2015)

myHMB® is TSI Group’s branded HMB ingredient and is supported by decades of ingredient-specific research. It is manufactured according to established quality standards and is available with documentation supporting its identity, quality, regulatory status, and applicable certifications.

myHMB® is produced in a dedicated facility which has historically been audited by independent groups, and myHMB® has recently attained the status as a USP-verified ingredient.  This means that the production of myHMB® follows stringent Good Manufacturing Principles (GMP) meeting all regulatory requirements, and specifications for identity, strength, and purity have been 3rd party verified.  myHMB® is self-affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by an independent panel of experts and is certified kosher and halal. Additionally, myHMB® is non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan friendly, and complies with requirements as being allergen-free, enabling safe use in populations with dietary restrictions.

HMB aids in increasing muscle protein in the body through two dual mechanisms:

Decreasing Muscle Protein Breakdown

HMB decreases protein breakdown by disrupting proteolysis through the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway (a major enzymatic pathway for protein breakdown in muscle). This process helps to blunt muscle damage and recover faster.

Increasing Muscle Protein Synthesis

HMB stimulates muscle protein synthesis through multiple mechanisms, including the mTOR pathway. While the initiation of myofibrillar protein synthesis is influenced by multiple factors, mTOR is a key regulatory factor that results in a direct increase in myofibrillar protein synthesis.

Myofibrillar proteins make up the contractile apparatus in muscles. HMB helps maintain this by increasing the phosphorylation of mTOR, thus activating the mTOR signaling pathway in muscle which stimulates the initiation of protein synthesis in the muscle. And HMB also works on decreasing myofibrillar protein degradation.

While many of these effects are shared with the essential amino acid leucine, HMB is more potent than leucine in promoting strength gains, and a study has shown that conversion of leucine to HMB is necessary for this increase in protein synthesis.

Yes, HMB does improve muscle mass through its unique dual-action of increasing protein synthesis and decreasing protein breakdown.  These mechanisms blunt muscle damage allowing you to recover faster and build muscle.

Studies show that measurable increases in strength and prevention for overtraining occur in only a couple of weeks; however, it will most likely take three or four weeks to produce results that will also be noticed by friends and coworkers depending upon the level of training and overall training status.

Recognized experts at major universities have been conducting HMB research on animals and humans for three decades. In these studies, HMB was found to have several beneficial effects, including producing better results faster from intense exercise. The list of HMB clinical studies is continually growing. There are more than 150 human clinical studies traceable to TSI’s myHMB^®, and myHMB^® has been discussed in about 100 review articles, and 14 meta-analyses, which have been published as peer-reviewed papers, and there are still more ongoing studies with HMB!

While HMB is vital to muscle health it has also been shown that Vitamin D₃ is also an essential nutrient to help muscles reach their full potential. When HMB and Vitamin D₃ are combined it optimizes the effectiveness of HMB.

A year-long, double-blind study conducted by the researchers at Iowa State University and Des Moines University funded by NIH also found HMB and Vitamin D₃ improved muscle function in older adults, even without exercise.

HMB boosts muscle health in older adults by both stimulating protein synthesis and reducing muscle breakdown. Higher Vitamin D₃ levels are associated with greater strength and superior muscle function, especially in older adults. The study indicated that the proper ratio of HMB and Vitamin D₃ can boost effects, helping improve muscle function in an entire generation of people.

Yes, there are other supplements that have shown to have healthy benefits when taken in conjunction with HMB.

Research has shown that the nutrient, Vitamin D₃, is essential for helping muscles reach their full potential. When HMB is combined with Vitamin D₃ it optimizes the effectiveness of HMB. Learn more.

HMB combined with PEAK ATP® has also shown a synergistic benefit on performance gains – meaning that when combined the benefits are greater than with either supplement alone. Learn more.

HMB combined with creatine has been shown to have an additive effect on performance, more than either supplement on their own.

It is also suggested that HMB be taken in combination with a balanced diet that contains a daily protein intake of about one gram per pound of body weight, especially if you are actively exercising. If your diet isn’t balanced or your protein intake is low, then HMB should be combined with the appropriate vitamin, mineral, protein, or energy supplement to balance your diet.

Yes, HMB has had extensive clinical studies conducted to specifically evaluate the safety of HMB, and no negative side effects have been recorded in either men or women whether young or elderly.

A summary of the effects of HMB on hematology, emotional profile, and adverse effects as measured in nine clinical studies showed only positive effects on cholesterol (7 percent decrease) and blood pressure (4.4 mm of Hg decrease).

In clinical studies, HMB users have consistently improved strength, reduced muscle damage, and have also improved body composition with exercise when compared with placebo test subjects. Research suggests that HMB supplementation also provides benefits to runners, cyclists, and other endurance-training individuals.

Newer research has also shown that the combination of HMB and Vitamin D₃ improved muscle function in older adults, even without exercise.

Yes, you should consume HMB daily. The recommended dosage is three grams per day for average-size individuals. If you want to “customize” your dosage, research has shown that 38 mg/kg body weight each day is optimal.

Research indicates that HMB supplementation can benefit virtually everyone.  Athletes, aging adults, dieters, active individuals, or those recovering from illness or injury have used HMB for decades as a highly effective supplement for improving muscle health under a variety of external stressors.  In fact, the beauty of HMB is that it performs best when stressors – such as strenuous exercise or injury – are introduced to the body.

Yes, myHMB® is acceptable for use in sports and is not a banned substance.

Pregnant or lactating women are advised against taking HMB because safety studies have not yet been conducted for these populations. Also, individuals with any known medical problems and adolescents should consult with their physicians prior to using HMB, as they should with all dietary supplements.