Effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplementation on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage: a mini-review.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic appraisal or quantitative synthesis
PubMed 36775650 · doi:10.20463/pan.2022.0023
What was done
Authors conducted a mini-review using literature searches across PubMed, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library (keywords: 'HMB,' 'HMB and EIMD,' 'HMB and recovery,' 'HMB and resistance exercise,' and 'HMB and eccentric muscle contraction') to summarize the effects, biological mechanisms, and supplementation protocols of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD).
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical effect sizes or statistical metrics. Qualitatively, it reports that HMB reduces circulating markers of muscle membrane damage (creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase). Proposed mechanisms include reduced inflammation, lower oxidative stress, and increased cellular cholesterol synthesis via beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-CoA. Reported usage protocols suggest 3 g daily, either chronically (≥2 weeks, 1 g three times daily) or acutely (free-acid form 30–60 minutes pre-exercise; calcium-HMB 60–120 minutes pre-exercise). Co-administration of HMB with creatine was noted to be ineffective for reducing EIMD.
Why it matters
It outlines practical timing and dosage guidelines for HMB formulations (calcium salt vs. free-acid) aimed at reducing markers of muscle damage after intense exercise.
Limits
The abstract describes a non-systematic narrative mini-review without formal inclusion criteria, risk-of-bias assessment, or quantitative pooling. No primary trial sample sizes, participant demographics, training statuses, or numerical outcome data are provided.
Cited by
- supports Calcium HMB supplementation supports muscle recovery and reduces muscle breakdown.