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Hmb
What is HMB?
HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine. HMB is found in the diet in small amounts in some protein-rich foods such as fish and milk. Depending on total protein and leucine intake, HMB production in the body may average about ¼ to 1 gram per day.
What Does HMB do?
- Increases protein synthesis
- Builds muscle
- Decreased muscle breakdown
- Prevents muscle catabolism
- Increased strength
- Enhanced fat burning
HMB is thought to be the active form of leucine - an amino acid that plays a role in regulating protein metabolism. In theory, if you supply HMB as a supplement, you may be able to reduce muscle breakdown during intense exercise.
HMB reduces muscle catabolism and may protect against muscle damage. For example, creatine kinase, an indicator of muscle damage, is reduced following exercise is subjects consuming HMB. This may indicate a reduced level of muscle damage and could lead to improved muscle function. Research in animals (cattle, pigs and poultry) and humans suggests that HMB can increase muscle mass and strength. Leucine is also a common additive to chicken feed (which is normally low in this amino acid) for the purpose of improving the muscle tissue and providing bigger chicken breasts for dinner.
The HMB supplements result in significant improvements in muscle mass and strength as well as significant decreases in muscle breakdown compared with placebo subjects. Even in trained athletes, HMB supplements of about 3 grams per day resulted in a significant increase in muscle mass and strength as well as a decrease in body fat.
HMB is safe
No side effects have been reported in animal studies (which have used large doses of HMB for several weeks) or in human studies of as much as 4 grams per day.
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