|
What it is:
HMB (B-hydroxy B-methylbutyrate monohydrate) is the metabolite of the
amino acid leucine, and has been shown to suppress exercise-induced muscle
tissue breakdown. Supplementing with HMB may:
Minimize protein breakdown
and damage to muscle cells
Help the body maintain an anabolic state
Improve body composition
Serving Size: 4 capsules
How to use it:
As a dietary supplement, take 4 capsules 3 times per day with meals. Do
not exceed recommended servings. Consult with a physician prior to use
if you have any medical conditions. Do not use if pregnant or lactating.
Nutrition Info
Serving size 4 capsules |
| Amount
Per Serving |
|
| General Nutrition |
| Potassium |
200 mg |
| Calcium |
200 mg |
| Micronutrients |
| Calcium B-Hydroxy
B-Methylbutyrate Monohydrate (HMB) |
1 g |
|
Q&A
Q: What is HMB?
A: HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It's a metabolite
of the branched-chain amino acid leucine. HMB is found in foods of both
plant and animal origin, and HMB is also normally produced in the body.
(Depending on the nutritional program, from .3 grams to 1 gram of HMB
is produced in the body per day.) Its precursors are the amino acid leucine
and the keto acid KIC. Certain plants such as alfalfa and plant products
such as corn silage appear to have relatively large concentrations of
HMB. Grapefruit and catfish also contain relatively high concentrations
of this nutrient. However, similar to various vitamins and other micronutrients,
it is extremely difficult and impractical to consume enough of these foods
on a regular basis to provide the full benefits of HMB. It is probably
much more practical to use a dietary supplement containing pure HMB.
Q: How do you supplement
with HMB?
A: HMB is simple and easy to use. The recommended use is to take four
capsules, three times daily with meals. That's a total of 12 capsules
per day. Some research suggests larger individuals (over 200 pounds) may
need more, up to 5 or 6 grams per day. HMB can be used with a multi-nutrient/nutrition
shake product or just regular food. HMB does not eliminate the need for
any other supplement nor does HMB have to be used along with any other
supplement. Of course, those who are using HMB in an effort to stimulate
gains in muscle size and strength should obviously be engaged in regular,
intense weight-training exercise.
Q: What does HMB do?
A: Researchers are not completely certain how HMB works in the body. It
appears that this amino acid metabolite supports the body's ability to
minimize protein breakdown subsequent to stress such as intense exercise
and it also may work to preserve the integrity of cell membranes. By minimizing
protein breakdown, HMB, when combined with a resistance-training program,
may cause an increase in muscle mass and strength. The exact mechanism
behind HMB's effectiveness will have to be determined in future research.
Q: Does HMB cause
any side effects?
A: We produce from .3 to 1 gram of HMB in our bodies per day. Also, HMB
occurs naturally in various whole foods such as grapefruit and catfish.
Thus HMB is not a drug, and studies to date suggest no adverse side effects.
|
