Does HMB supplementation alter outcomes? HMB enhances recovery following exercise training and has been shown to increase lean body mass and functionality in the elderly. [24] In a study evaluating the effect of HMB (3 grams/day) versus placebo in healthy older adults placed on 10 days of complete bed rest, lean body mass was preserved in patients treated with HMB, in contrast to placebo patients, who lost 2 kilograms of body weight. [25] Similarly, in patients undergoing total knee replacement, muscle strength was preserved with HMB supplementation[26] and in patients with a hip fracture, HMB accelerated wound healing, decreased the period of immobility, and increased muscle strength. [27] HMB as part of protein supplementation also resulted in improved nutritional status, muscle strength, and 50% lower mortality at 90-days after- discharge in older malnourished hospitalized patients. [28] What is the suggested dose of HMB? The commonly recommended dose of HMB is up to 3 grams per day. However, this amount is difficult to obtain from usual diet because of the low transformation rate of leucine to HMB (see above) and therefore, supplementation is needed. Chronic consumption of HMB appears to be safe in both the young and the elderly and HMB appears to be most effective when taken for at least 2 weeks prior to training. [24]
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