What to know about HMB
HMB (beta hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine (one of the branched-chain amino acids).
Small amounts of HMB are present in many foods of animal and plant origin, especially alfalfa and catfish. The amino acid leucine is metabolized into a compound called alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC), which is then turned into HMB by the body. Dietary supplements of HMB are also available.
HMB is not an essential nutrient. The body creates HMB from leucine, so any diet containing sufficient amounts of leucine (most do) should lead to the adequate production of HMB. Limited evidence indicates that athletes may benefit from supplemental intake of HMB.
High cholesterol Athletic performance (for improving body composition with strength training in untrained people only) HIV support (in combination with glutamine and arginine)
No safety issues have been reported in the limited number of studies currently available. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with HMB.
Most people do not need to use HMB. For those involved in regular exercise who do choose to take this supplement, the research generally uses 3 grams of HMB per day in combination with resistive exercise, such as weight lifting.