HMB supplementation increases muscle quality and reduces effects of sarcopenia, say researchers

31 May 2023 --- As people age, the muscles of the body often experience a progressive loss of mass and strength. This age-related condition, known as sarcopenia, is recognized as a major public health concern due to its association with health issues, such as difficulty conducting daily activities and adverse events such as falls.

However, a recent study is revealing that supplementing with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) could significantly improve muscle strength and quality, which could markedly improve the quality of life of sarcopenia patients.

“HMB, in conjunction with other nutrients, has been shown to have an effect on muscle wasting,” says Shawn Baier, the VP of business development at TSI Group. “From TSI Group’s perspective, this is another confirmatory study that takes it one step further by demonstrating HMB’s impact on a sarcopenic population, instead of simply hypothesizing about it.”

Improving strength
Published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, the randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study included 35 participants ages 65 to 85. All participants had to pass the exclusion criteria, including no histories of bone or joint disease, cognitive disorders or heart-related health problems.The results show that HMB supplementation could greatly improve the quality of life of sarcopenia patients.

The participants were split into two groups, a placebo group and the HMB group and given either two doses of HMB or two of the placebo each day for 12 weeks, along with resistance exercise training twice a week.

Strength was measured using the hand-strength grip test, gait speed and a five-time chair stand test before the trial to gain a baseline and then again after the 12 weeks’ trial.

The results revealed significant improvements in all three areas when compared to the placebo group and even a reduction in inflammatory markers. However, the researchers note that “no significant differences in skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle index and other body composition parameters were found between the two groups.”

Proven efficacy
TSI Group, the makers of the HMB ingredient MyHMB, state that the findings rest on more than 50 published studies, including some that were funded by the US National Institutes of Health, which have repeatedly demonstrated the nutrient’s health benefits.

“Muscle reserves naturally decline with age,” explains Baier. “Being proactive is much better than being reactive.” 

“The earlier we can intervene, the better,” he continues. “We now have evidence that HMB helps muscle health across all categories, even after muscle loss has progressed into sarcopenia. It makes sense that HMB be considered a great first-line defense against age-related muscle loss.”

Edited by William Bradford Nichols