Hydroxy-methylbutyrate
(beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate
or HMB)
Hydroxy-methylbutyrate
is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine. It inhibits
protein breakdown. Bodybuilders and other highly trained athletes use HMB as a supplement to increase muscle mass.
Two
studies show that hydroxy-methylbutyrate decreases fat mass and
increases lean body mass. This is encouraging, but more studies need to
be performed.
Although the studies mentioned above
did not
report any side effects, keep in mind that some side effects only show
up after serval large studies are done.
It is important you
discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and
your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have
certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal
body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss
all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or
exercise program.
This
article was written by
John
Vickery, MD.
References
Am
Fam Physician. 2004 Nov 1;70(9):1731-8.
Lexi-Comp database
accessed on 5/3/08
Int J Obes (Lond). 2005
Sep;29(9):1030-8.
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