New Evidence Against HMB

[TYPE A]

HMB is worthless. Don't think so? Well read on...

The Effect of -Hydroxy -Methylbutyrate on Muscular Strength and Body Composition in Collegiate Football Players JACK RANSONE

College of Education, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078 KERRI NEIGHBORS

Oklahoma Dietetics Association, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
ROBERT LEFAVI

College of Health Professions, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Georgia 31419 JOSEPH CHROMIAK

College of Education, Mississippi State University, Starksville, Mississippi 39762


ABSTRACT

This study assesses the effects of daily -hydroxy -methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on muscular strength (bench press, squats, and power cleans) and body composition (body weight and body fat) among collegiate football players undergoing a strenuous exercise program. Subjects were collegiate football players (n = 35) training under the supervision of certified strength coaches averaging 20 hours of weekly exercise. In the first supplementation period, 16 of the 35 subjects were supplemented with 3 g of HMB per day for 4 weeks; the other 19 received a placebo followed by a 1-week washout period and then a second supplementation period in a randomized double-blind crossover, placebo design. There were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in muscular strength, including bench press, squats, and power cleans, among the subjects. There were also no significant changes (p > 0.05) in body composition, including body fat and body weight. Very little clinical evidence exists for supplementing HMB in athletic populations.

 

[TYPE A]

FYI... Just read the last 3 sentences.

 

[DanielBishop]

Thanks for the info.

I think most people have concluded that it's a crock. I'm grateful that I learned about it before spending any money on it.... I'd had people tell me it was very effective, but expensive. I was considering investing in it.... phew.

 

[MikeNYCguy]

HMB with arginine and glutamine combined has proven to yield a synergistic effect. Some big boys at my gym are using this kind of product called Juven (see www.juven.com.) And, you need a script to get it!

Check out the site and reconsider.

 

[jimmyjames]

Juven looks like total BS. It doesn't require a script either.

"Clinically proven to fight muscle loss, you can now restore lost muscle mass without a prescription. You should begin seeing results in 4 to 6 weeks. Each box contains 30 packets -- a 15-day supply of Juven -- and has a suggested retail price of $89 per box."

Do the math on that one.

 

[Conceptions]

Please let me know more about this product. My ex-gym teacher, current computer teacher, is taking this product because he heard good stuff about it. im guna ask him if its doign anything but i also want to know what you people think

 

[KillJoy]

ok....Most people don't like HMB.............why?

it does not work at a low dose.......like 1.5g


I like HMB but only if you take 6 to 9 grams a day.
Buy HMB at DPS nutrition and try it at that the dose above or dont try it at all.


KJ

 

[u4ik_RAGE]

ok....Most people don't like HMB.............why?

it does not work at a low dose.......like 1.5g


I like HMB but only if you take 6 to 9 grams a day.
Buy HMB at DPS nutrition and try it at that the dose above or dont try it at all.


KJ

Word. 3 grams is nothing when you're talking about aminos or amino-derived supps.

 

[lonewulf]

My friend got a bulk supply of HMB and i took it for about 3 months, off about three, got some more from him, off now, can tell absolutely not difference. I think its crap.-WULF

 

[Cannibo]

I agree it's expensive and any gains are not worth the price of the product. However, I do think it is may helpful for begineers and people who have been out of the gym for a couple of years. The study was on Football players, who have obviously been training hard for a long period of time. If you can find it for cheap I would recommend it after you've taken a long break from lifting. It helped me atleast.

 

[rjl296]

feels like deca

 

[Deak]

I think you could get some results with HMB or other amino acids supplements, only if you would take 20-30g a day....

 

[u4ik_RAGE]

Charles Poliquin says he found 9 grams to be benificial to his recovery when I emailed him. My good buddy on this board, Cytomel, will back me up.

 

[babbabuee]

sure, you found a report that says it's bunk, and I read a report that said it works. all these supplements are like that.

 

[Singleton]

Maybe it does work

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...ve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10978853&dopt=Abstract

Nutritional supplementation of the leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (hmb) during resistance training.

Panton LB, Rathmacher JA, Baier S, Nissen S.

Department of Education, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614, USA. [email protected]

The effects of supplementation of the leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) were examined in a resistance training study. Thirty-nine men and 36 women between the ages of 20-40 y were randomized to either a placebo (P) supplemented or HMB supplemented (3.0 g HMB/d) group in two gender cohorts. All subjects trained three times per week for 4 wk. In the HMB group, plasma creatine phosphokinase levels tended to be suppressed compared to the placebo group following the 4 wk of resistance training (HMB:174. 4 +/- 26.8 to 173.5 +/- 17.0 U/L; P:155.0 +/- 20.8 to 195.2 +/- 23.5 U/L). There were no significant differences in strength gains based on prior training status or gender with HMB supplementation. The HMB group had a greater increase in upper body strength than the placebo group (HMB:7.5 +/- 0.6 kg; P:5.2 +/- 0.6 kg; P = 0.008). The HMB groups increased fat-free weight by 1.4 +/- 0.2 kg and decreased percent fat by 1.1% +/- 0.2% while the placebo groups increased fat-free weight by 0.9 +/- 0.2 kg and decreased percent fat by 0.5% +/- 0.2% (fat-free weight P = 0.08, percent fat P = 0.08, HMB compared to placebo). In summary, this is the first short-term study to investigate the roles of gender and training status on the effects of HMB supplementation on strength and body composition. This study showed, regardless of gender or training status, HMB may increase upper body strength and minimize muscle damage when combined with an exercise program.

Publication Types:

* Clinical Trial
* Randomized Controlled Trial


PMID: 10978853 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Another one:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...ve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11128859&dopt=Abstract

Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate ingestion, Part I: effects on strength and fat free mass.

Gallagher PM, Carrithers JA, Godard MP, Schulze KE, Trappe SW.

Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was 1) to determine whether HMB supplementation results in an increase in strength and FFM during 8 wk of resistance training and 2) determine whether a higher dose of HMB provides additional benefits. METHODS: Thirty-seven, untrained, college-aged men were assigned to one of three groups: 0, 38, or 76 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) of HMB (approximately equal to 3 and 6 g x d(-1), respectively). Resistance training consisted of 10 different exercises performed 3 d x wk(-1) for 8 wk at 80% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). The 1RM was reevaluated every 2 wk with workloads adjusted accordingly. RESULTS: No differences were observed in 1RM strength among the groups at any time. However, the 38 mg x kg (-1) x d(-1) group showed a greater increase in peak isometric torque than the 0 or 76 mg.kg(-1) x d(-1) groups (P < 0.05). The 76 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) group had a greater increase in peak isokinetic torque than the 0 or 38 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) groups at 2.1, -3.15, and -4.2 rad x s(-1) (P < 0.05). Plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity was greater for the 0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) versus the 38 or 76 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) groups at 48 h after the initial training bout (P < 0.05). In addition, no differences were observed in body fat between the three groups. However, the 38 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) group exhibited a greater increase in FFM (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the IRM strength gains were not significantly different, HMB supplementation appears to increase peak isometric and various isokinetic torque values, and increase FFM and decrease plasma CPK activity. Lastly, it appears that higher doses of HMB (i.e., > 38 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) do not promote strength or FFM gains.

Publication Types:

* Clinical Trial
* Randomized Controlled Trial

 

[al1602]

that was a very good post. I was all set to get some of this stuff. what would you guys recommend?

 

[Singleton]

Just wanted to mention that just because I posted some clinical studies for HMB, does not mean I endorse it!

I have always thought it was too pricey. If I can for $30, I might buy it. 300g @ 9g/ day would last me a month. If the effects aren't noticeable, then it isn't worth it.

 

[Singleton]

a1supplements has it for a decent price.

You can use it @ 8 caps a day for 25 days. This should be enough time to notice an effect.

Let us know how it is.

 

[al1602]

Then what the heck is it used for. THis is like when Ornithine came out.

 

[al1602]

OK, i read up on it.

It is supposed to help protein synthesis and make you get all muscley and stuff....

I wonder what was Mr. Phillips motives were in marketing this stuf ?

 

[Singleton]

Money, of course. Perhaps personal interest as well.

I'm more wondering how effective this product is than Bill Phillips' motives for making it.

Jack Ransone's study did not go into detail on how the players' strength was tested.

Although I'm curious to try it, I'd rather see someone else try it (at 9gm/ day for a month) and report back to this thread!

 

[FunkMasterFlex]

find Ornithin Alpha Ketoglutarate or KIC in powder form....much better stuff...but you need bout 2-3 grams of each to get serious results...i know olympic athlete who use it, mostly cylists...tastes like crap i heard hehe. But thats the real stuff, screw HMB...if anyhting take some BCAA's that are double in Leucine during your workout and throught the day inbetween meals....prob cheaper and more effective at preserving muscle