HUGE MUSCLE BUILDING POTENTIAL

No, thatıs not what HMB stands for...
technically. But HMB is a huge
contributing factor to building, preserving,
and maintaining lean muscle tissue!

HMB, or beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate is a metabolite (a substance produced by a metabolic process) of the branched chain amino acid (BCAA) leucine. Leucine is considered uniquely potent because it is metabolized in the muscle tissue, instead of in the liver. After metabolization, leucine can help directly build new proteins or be burned as fuel to produce energy. It may possess a higher usability rate because of this direct metabolization.

Once metabolized, the resulting HMB may play an important role in the proper synthesis of protein. Optimum protein metabolism helps maximize fat loss during diet and exercise, preserve lean muscle tissue, and helps diminish lean tissue damage that occurs during high impact exercise.

Only one known credible study to date of HMB on humans has been performed to try to determine its on strength and muscle gains. This study involved 41 individuals divided into three random groups. Each group was supplemented with different levels of HMB intake (0,1.5, and 3 g HMB/day) and two protein levels (117 g/day and 175 g/day). In all of the groups the subjects lifted weights for 1.5 hours and three days a week for three weeks.

In a second study, The researchers used 28 individuals and divided them randomly into two levels of HMB supplementation (0 and 3g HMB/day). In both groups, this group lifted weights for 2-3 hours and 6 days per week for 7 weeks.

Here's what the research yielded: In study number 1, the test subjects showed a significant decrease in muscle catabolization (muscle proteolysis). Also significant was an increase in the amount of weights lifted with the HMB supplementation when compared with the unsupplemented group.

The second study also revealed some positive results. It was observed that lean mass was significantly increased in HMB supplemented subjects compared with the unsupplemented group. Thus it was ultimately concluded that supplementation with either 1.5 or 3g HMB/day can partly prevent exercise-induced proteolysis and/or muscle damage, and the dietary supplementation of HMB can result in larger gains in muscle-mass associated with resistance training.1

Diets rich in alfalfa, corn silage, grapefruit and catfish contain relatively high concentrations of HMB.

BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) are are a unique group of amino acids that are widely known in the sports world for their anabolic (muscle building and anti-catabolic (muscle wasting) properties.

BCAA's are comprised of the three essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

The essential branched chain amino acids (BCAA's) are of special importance for athletes because they are metabolized directly in the muscle tissue, rather than in the liver (where much of it is wasted). Here's how this works: After digestion once protein is broken down into individual amino acids these aminos can either be used to build new proteins or be burned as fuel to produce energy.)

Leucine: Leucine is the most common amino acid found in proteins and is essential for proper lean tissue growth and maintaining the body's nitrogen balance. It is suspected that Leucine plays a part in maintaining muscles by equalizing synthesis and breakdown of proteins. Leucine is the precursor to HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate).

Isoleucine: Isoleucine is one of the essential amino acids and is needed for hemoglobin formation and also stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. It can enhance energy levels and increase endurance. It is also important in healing and repairing of muscle tissue. Deficiency of isoleucine can lead to symptoms similar to that of hypoglycemia.

Valine: Valine may help promote muscle growth and tissue repair. Valine may also benefit exercise endurance, muscular strength, and recovery time after physical activity. It is most also necessary for proper nitrogen balance in the body.

1. Nissen S, Sharp R, Ray M, et al. Effect of leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistive-exercise training. J Appl Physiol 1996;81:2095–104.