GREGORY CHANDLER - HMB

HMB is the common name for beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate. HMB is a leucine metabolite that can be taken as a supplement to help promote size and strength gains. HMB acts to prevent muscle degeneration during exercise. One study showed that taking 3 grams per day of HMB during a four-week resistance training program effectively increased upper-body strength and minimized muscle damage whether subjects had training experience or not.

Another study compared HMB to creatine and showed that the two supplements work differently but have positive effects on muscle gains. During a three-week trial, subjects were assigned to one of four groups: one that took 3 grams of HMB per day, one that took 20 grams per day of creatine for one week and then 10 grams per day for the following two weeks, one that took a combination of HMB and creatine, or the placebo group. Participants gained lean muscle mass and strength in the three treatment groups compared to the placebo, and the group taking HMB had less protein breakdown. This effect was even more pronounced in the HMB-plus-creatine group, which suggests that these two supplements assist each other.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law