HMB: What It Is and Why Our Bodies Need It

HMB—more scientifically known as beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate—is produced in our bodies as we metabolize leucine—a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) found in protein-rich foods like beef, fish, soybeans, etc. It’s important to note, however, that only 5% of leucine is converted to HMB in the body, so to truly reap the benefits of HMB, supplementation is needed. HMB does many things, including helping our muscles perform well while preventing breakdown. Let’s dig into the benefits of HMB and why myHMB® is the ingredient we’ve selected to use in our new product, Muscle Health PLUS®. 

On its own, muscle breaks down and rebuilds itself approximately 1-2% per day. HMB simultaneously decreases muscle protein breakdown and increases muscle protein synthesis—it’s a dual-action mechanism. HMB is helpful for both athletes and non-athletes. It does improve the effects of training, but it also aids in increasing muscle protein in the body and decreasing protein breakdown. The effects of increasing protein synthesis and decreasing breakdown have shown to produce increased strength, endurance, and recovery.  

For athletes, it increases endurance, improves body composition, speeds up muscle recovery, and increases strength gains. It also increases anaerobic capacity and reduces muscle soreness after exercise.

For older, aging adults, HMB improves functions of daily life— it increases lean body mass, increases muscle strength, improves mobility, and reduces fatigue. It also decreases strength loss associated with long periods of bed rest, may improve nitrogen balance in critically injured adults, and can preserve muscle mass during bed rest. In cancer patients—when combined with arginine and glutamine—HMB is shown to improve overall body composition.

myHMB is a clinically studied version of HMB that has some pretty incredible clinical benefits and a well documented track record (something that is important to us in any ingredient we select). myHMB®:

• Has over 20 years of validated production processes and testing
• Has been subjected to the most clinical research on the market with over 100 human studies
• Is the only USP (United States Pharmacopeia) verified HMB ingredient on the market.
• Is regulatory-compliant.
• Is non-GMO, gluten free, vegan friendly, and complies with allergen-free requirements.

When paired with protein, myHMB® significantly improved net protein balance. myHMB® and creatine together increase lean body mass and muscle strength, and research has shown that the combination of myHMB® and creatine produces better results than using one of those supplements alone. myHMB® and ATP together triple strength gains, increase lean mass gains, boost muscle thickness, enhance power improvement, and protect against performance declines. 

(Did we mention serious clinical benefits!?)

Whether you’re a high-performing athlete, just starting your fitness journey, in your later years, or simply looking to improve your muscle health, you can benefit from HMB and its many muscle health benefits. Here at Previnex, we’ve included this ingredient in our newest product, Muscle Health PLUS®. Muscle Health PLUS combines myHMB®, creatine, Astragin, BCAAs and other essential amino acids to help you build and maintain muscle, protect against muscle mass decline, and help your muscles perform their best. Muscle Health PLUS® is available now, so grab yours to add it to your daily regimen!