HMB supplements have become very popular among athletes within recent years. The HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, which is a metabolite that is broken down from leucine–one of the body’s necessary animo acids. This amino acid can be found in small quantities naturally in catfish, grapefruit and alfalfa.
Scientific Study Results
One certain study gave results that proved that taking three grams of HMB a day increased strength in participants by a factor of three when compared to those who took placebos. The same amount of supplementation showed a reduction of bad cholesterol as well. This shows that HMB can help to speed up the process of muscle growth, endurance, fat loss and strength. As of now, there are no known side effects found when taking proper doses of HMB.
How It Works
There is an action within your body known as proteolysis, which is the process that occurs naturally that breaks down your muscle. This happens more after strenuous activities like working out or playing a sport. The HMB supplements give muscles a type of protective barrier that can help your body and give it a head start in the activity of repairing these broken down muscles (by causing your body to do less damage to your muscles while you work out).
Why It Helps
The theory has been stated that HMB is an excellent building block for intra-muscular cholesterol, which is something that your muscles need after extensive working out in order to repair and grow themselves. In shorter terms, the supplement HMB gives your body the ability to remain in what is known as an anabolic state for a longer period of time, which gives your body the ability to build more muscle. Another side effect of the HMB supplements is an increase in VO2 max, which is the maxuimal oxygen consumption–a sign of the body’s endurance capacity. This can be coupled with exercise, allowing you to exercise longer and harder, with less wear on your body and energy levels.
It is shown that a visible amount of increase in strength and lean body mass can be found in just a couple of weeks, though it will most likely take at least three to four weeks to see results that will be widely noticed. This supplement can help add a little extra spark to your regular workout routine and should be taken once a day for optimum results. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not take HMB supplements, and you should talk to your doctor before taking this supplement. If you are on any other medications or taking any other supplement, you should speak to your doctor to make sure that the combination will not cause any harmful side effects.
