Most people even tangentially interested in fitness and bodybuilding have probably heard of the sports supplement HMB. HMB - real name β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate - is a natural metabolite of the 'anabolic' amino acid Leucine (L-Leucine).
Numerous studies have demonstrated that HMB enhances protein synthesis and inhibits catabolism through a number of mechanisms (some of which we've discussed before >>here<< and >>here<<), particularly in the elderly and those suffering from aged-related sarcopenia.
More recently, however, a few studies have appeared to suggest that HMB is more effective than anabolic steroids at increasing LBM in exercising subjects! The controversy over this research has been brewing for a while now, and you can read more about those studies and the issues raised from last year's discussion over at Strongerbyscience (formerly Strengtheory).
Suffice it to say, the results the scientists claim to have recorded are frankly absurd, and very unlikely to be reliable. And this story has now taken another turn, with a group of scientists writing to the NSCA regarding their financial conflicts of interest in publishing the study. You can read this letter and their critique of the HMB studies over at Anthony Robert's website >>here<<.
The take home message from this controversy is that it pays to remain healthfully skeptical of all outlandish claims attributed to sports nutritional supplements, whether they appear to have scientific backing or not. While HMB is undoubtedly useful - along with its parent amino Leucine - it's not in the same league as an anabolic steroid, as pretty much any AAS-using bodybuilder or powerlifter could tell you.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that HMB enhances protein synthesis and inhibits catabolism through a number of mechanisms (some of which we've discussed before >>here<< and >>here<<), particularly in the elderly and those suffering from aged-related sarcopenia.
More recently, however, a few studies have appeared to suggest that HMB is more effective than anabolic steroids at increasing LBM in exercising subjects! The controversy over this research has been brewing for a while now, and you can read more about those studies and the issues raised from last year's discussion over at Strongerbyscience (formerly Strengtheory).
Suffice it to say, the results the scientists claim to have recorded are frankly absurd, and very unlikely to be reliable. And this story has now taken another turn, with a group of scientists writing to the NSCA regarding their financial conflicts of interest in publishing the study. You can read this letter and their critique of the HMB studies over at Anthony Robert's website >>here<<.
The take home message from this controversy is that it pays to remain healthfully skeptical of all outlandish claims attributed to sports nutritional supplements, whether they appear to have scientific backing or not. While HMB is undoubtedly useful - along with its parent amino Leucine - it's not in the same league as an anabolic steroid, as pretty much any AAS-using bodybuilder or powerlifter could tell you.
