beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation does not affect changes in strength or body composition during resistance training in trained men

This investigation evaluated the effects of oral beta -Hydroxy-beta -Methyl butyrate (HMB) supplementation on training responses in resistance-trained male athletes who were randomly administered HMB in standard encapsulation (SH), HMB in time release capsule (TRH), or placebo (P) in a double-blind f ashion. Subjects ingested 3 g (.) day(-1) of HMB; or placebo for 6 weeks. T ests were conducted pre-supplementation and following 3 and 6 weeks of supp lementation. The testing battery assessed body mass, body composition (usin g dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), and 3-repetition maximum isoinertial s trength, plus biochemical parameters, including markers of muscle damage an d muscle protein turnover. While the training and dietary intervention of t he investigation resulted in significant strength gains (p < .001) and an i ncrease in total lean mass (p =.01), HMB administration had no influence on these variables. Likewise, biochemical markers of muscle protein turnover and muscle damage were also unaffected by HMB supplementation. The data ind icate that 6 weeks of HMB supplementation in either SH or TRH form does not influence changes in strength and body composition in response to resistan ce training in strength-trained athletes.