Lots of strength supplements claim to build muscle and strength but do not have the results or proof to support those claims. HMB is different from other strength supplements because its claims are not just backed by results but also by scientific research showing how the supplement works. 

HMB employs two unique mechanisms that contribute to bigger gains in muscle mass and strength than exercise alone. These mechanisms help increase lean muscle mass in two ways: by stimulating protein synthesis and by decreasing protein breakdown caused by strenuous exercise.  

HMB, also known as beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, is a non-pharmaceutical nutritional supplement that can be used to double the amount of muscle mass and strength gain over exercise alone.

“Resistance trainers who do not take HMB have a tough time reaching their full potential,” said Dr. Steven Nissen, developer of HMB. “Without this supplement, their bodies have a harder time rebuilding and repairing damaged muscle. Using HMB reduces muscle damage so individuals can increase their muscle mass and strength twice as quickly as they could otherwise.”

When protein synthesis equals protein breakdown, no net gain in muscle occurs. HMB changes this equation by creating a positive imbalance in protein turnover through two mechanisms, which results in users gaining strength and muscle mass more quickly than with exercise alone.

 According to a study published in the October 2007 issue of the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism, HMB, a metabolite of the amino acid leucine, stimulates protein synthesis through multiple mechanisms, including the mTOR pathway, which is the key regulator of cell growth and proliferation.

HMB also decreases the rate of protein breakdown caused by hard workouts at a molecular level. According to an article published in the December 2004 issue of Cancer Research, the supplement disrupts protein breakdown through the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway, a system that is thought to play a major role in normal muscle protein turnover.

Additionally, it is theorized that the effect of HMB on this second mechanism reduces muscle damage by supplying the material muscle cells need to synthesize enough cholesterol to improve stability of cell membrane under stress. Individuals who use HMB are able to increase muscle mass and strength more quickly because the body has less muscle damage that must be repaired.

Prolonged HMB use results in several positive health factors, including lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.

HMB is produced by Metabolic Technologies, Inc. (MTI), based in Ames, Iowa. MTI, founded in 1990 by university professors Steven L. Nissen, D.V.M., Ph.D., and Naji N. Abumrad, M.D., is a research-driven company that is dedicated to the development of credible, safe and effective nutritional products. The company also provides clinical and laboratory research support for the specific products developed.

For more information on HMB or MTI, visit www.hmb.org, www.mettechinc.com or contact Shawn Baier, Direct of Sales and Marketing, toll-free at 877-738-4467.