Research

Hormonal

HMB supplementation attenuates muscle wasting and improves outcomes in various forms of cachexia, though clinical evidence is often confounded by mixed supplements.

For patients with muscle-wasting diseases, HMB (often in combination with other nutrients) may help preserve muscle, but evidence is not definitive because most studies use mixed supplements. Consult a doctor, as individual effectiveness is unclear.

ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Studies performed under in vitro conditions and in various animal models suggest that HMB may be effective in treatment of muscle wasting in various forms of cachexia.
Milan Holeček · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · 2017

Why this rating

Strong animal/in vitro data, but weak human clinical data due to confounding mixed supplements.

Source

Beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate supplementation and skeletal muscle in healthy and muscle‐wasting conditions

Milan Holeček · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · 2017

DOI 10.1002/jcsm.12208

narrative_reviewCited 273×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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