HMB is a catbolite of the amino acid leucine (what this means is that in this amino acid HMB can be found in minute quantities). HMB is a natural substance, and is found in the body in small quantities and also in some plant and animal foods, grapefruit is one good example.

HMB has been shown in studies to decrease the rate of muscle breakdown in individuals who train with weights, there is also some evidence suggesting that it may help in strength increases and in lean mass gains. One other point to mention is that it has also been shown in one particular study to reduce stress. As of this moment it is unsure whether or not HMB is also directly responsible for the increased fat metabolisation in the body.

HMB is one off the latest supplements on the market, and has had some considerable effect on some peoples gains. The only problem with this supplement is that although there are many people who have experienced good results from supplementation some people have not really noticed any differences. For this reason I suggest you only purchase it if you have the money too. Otherwise just stick to a good protein powder and some of the other supplements I have given mention too on the supplements page.

A point to be considered if you are going to supplement with HMB is that if consumed in larger quantities many of it ends up exiting your body through urine. Bearing this in mind, consuming 250mgs (usually 1 capsule) several times a day is better than consuming 500mgs or more in one sitting.

Below is a small table to show how much HMB you should be supplementing with to gain the benefits.

Lean Mass (KG)___________________HMB(250mg capsules)

60-----------------------------------------11 capsules

70-----------------------------------------12 capsules

80-----------------------------------------14 capsules

90-----------------------------------------16 capsules

100----------------------------------------18 capsules

Good luck in your goals.