HMB - Muscle Support

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What is HMB?

HMB, or "beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate", is a metabolite of the amino acid Leucine and is produced naturally by the human body. HMB can also be found in many of the foods we eat such as grapefruit and catfish and can even be found in mother's milk! Although HMB can be found in nature, it is very impractical and difficult to consume these foods on a regular enough basis to provide the full benefits of HMB. Therefore supplementing with HMB may be advantageous to weight training athletes or those under extreme muscular stress, like track and field athletes. I-Supplements only provides top quality articles and supplements.

Why should I use HMB?

As is the goal of many of today's top supplements, including creatine monohydrate and L-Glutamine, HMB is used in an attempt to boost strength levels, enhance gains in muscle size and strength, and prevent muscle tissue breakdown that can occur subsequent to strenuous exercise. Scientists are not sure exactly how HMB works, but it is believed that this amino acid metabolite aids in the body's attempts to minimize protein breakdown that can occur subsequent to intense exercise. Therefore, by minimizing the breakdown of protein, or muscle, HMB may help the body recover faster from exercise which can lead to quicker and greater gains in muscle size and strength.

What research has been done on HMB?

Aside from creatine monohydrate, HMB is one of the most highly studied supplements on the market today. Studies have been done on HMB involving animals and humans. Several important double-blind, placebo controlled university studies have shown that HMB helped young male weight-training athletes gain more muscle size and strength. Another study examined the effect that HMB had on older adults (over 65 years of age) who trained with weights. This study showed that taking HMB helped these individuals get better results faster, than non-supplementation. Still another study showed that women who exercised regularly with weights gained more size and strength and burned more fat when they supplemented with HMB. Finally, a study involving cyclists showed that when supplementing with HMB, their endurance was significantly enhanced. As you can see, the list goes on and on. Suffice it to say that HMB is a safe natural supplement that has real-world data to back it up.

What doses of HMB should be taken?

Most of the scientific studies that have been done on HMB have used a dose of 3 grams per day, taken in divided doses. Some studies examined the effects of taking 1.5 grams per day versus 3. These studies showed that the group taking the higher dosage, in this case 3 grams per day, made significantly better gains in strength and size and lost more body fat than the 1.5 gram per day group. Some individuals, such as bodybuilders or individuals weighing over 200 lbs. might benefit by taking 4.5-6 grams per day. Although no scientific studies have proven it yet, it appears that the effects of HMB may be dose related.

What side effects are caused by HMB?

As of yet, no known side effects have been reported or documented from the use of HMB. As stated before, HMB is a natural substance produced by the human body and taking HMB in recommended doses appears to be safe and is backed by scientific research. Studies have even suggested HMB may aid in Artery health and help reduce cholesterol levels as well.

Should I cycle HMB?

The scientific studies that have been done on HMB did not uncover any compelling evidence that cycling HMB can be advantageous, but many athletes do so anyway. Popular schemes include using HMB during intense training periods or periods of "dieting down" , as well as using 4-6 grams per day when an athlete changes their routine to prevent undue muscle tissue breakdown and help speed recovery.