HMB

Product name: -hydroxy -methyl butyrate

Cost: $40-$50/100g

Available from: health food stores, gyms, sports stores

Ingredients: -hydroxy -methyl butyrate, derivative of amino acid leucine

Taste/Texture: not applicable, tablet form or added to protein powders

Features: anti-catabolic agent, claimed to decrease protein breakdown therefore increasing muscle size and strength. Also claimed to promote fat loss and enhance recovery.

Serving size: 1g/tds (total 3g/day)

Suitable For: Limited research available, most research is in untrained subjects and studies have many confounders. Research indicates the response to HMB supplementation is dependent on training status, you get a better response the less training you have done, as there is a greater catabolic response or damage from unaccustomed exercise. However, research does support decrease in protein damage indicators (e.g. CK) but no real correlation with improvement to performance, difficult to measure.

Rating: 2/5

The rating system is on a scale of 1-5.  Below are the classifications for these.
The rating system is for the reviewer to contemplate only and try to incorporate into comments, rather than give an actual value in the review

1 = Very Poor choice
2 = Not recommended
3 = Suitable for some individuals /athletes in specific situations (give examples)
4 = Overall a good product. Meets the majority of requirements and will suit most situations
5 = Great product, well formulated and will suit most individuals and situations.

Review done by Keryn Kondoprias, Nick Wray & Tanya Lewis (SDASA)

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in product reviews are personal views of individual SDA members, and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of SDA, nor does SDA accept responsibility for the nature or accuracy of such statement and opinion.