Infisport (Spain) - HMB is a dietary supplement with anti-catabolic action to contribute to the maintenance and / or increase of muscle mass.

Whether you frequently do sport or not, whenever you perform intense exercise or a new activity, you are likely to suffer some muscle damage.

HMB (ß-hydroxy-ß methylbutyrate) is a metabolite of L-Leucine, an essential amino acid, which together with L-Valine and L-Isoleucine, is part of what are known as BCAAs (branched chain amino acids).

Various scientific studies show the uses of HMB to be the following1:

1. It favours anabolic processes such as protein synthesis through the mTOR pathway or proliferation of satellite cells.
2. It improves cell integrity thanks to cholesterol synthesis.
3. It prevents protein breakdown and damage to cells.

As a result of this mechanism of action, HMB is recommended in situations in which sports performance can be affected by high catabolic states, as it helps to reduce muscle catabolism caused during exercise and starts the anabolic processes which are essential for recovery.

There are several publications1 which show HMB supplements to be effective during resistance sports (such as cycling and long-distance running), as well as explosive and strength sports (football, judo, water polo, rowing, American football and weight lifting). This can particularly be the case at certain times of the season when there is a heavy physical workload, either due to training or to the frequency of competitive action with little recovery time in between.

It may also be useful to use HMB during the physical rehabilitation phase after an injury.

The recommended daily dose is 3 g/day, to be taken around 1-2 hours before performing sporting activity. On the days you don't do any physical exercise, you may split the dose by taking 1 g doses at breakfast, lunch and dinner2.

Infisport® HMB makes it easy for you to enjoy the benefits of this molecule by providing 90 x 1 g tablets of HMB offering treatment for a 30-day period.  It is also suitable for the majority of athletes as it is a gluten and lactose-free vegan product.

1 - Albert FJ, Morente-Sánchez J, Ortega FB, Castillo MJ, Gutiérrez A. Usefulness of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation in different sports: an update and practical implications. Nutrición Hospitalaria. 2015; 32(1):20-33.

2 - Wilson JM, Fitschen PJ, Campbell B, Wilson GJ, Zanchi N, Taylor L, Wilborn C, Kalman DS, Stout JR, Hoffman JR, Ziegenfuss TN, Lopez HL, Kreider RB, Smith-Ryan AE. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2013,10:6.