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Wayne State University
Nutrition and Food Science Faculty Research
Publications Nutrition and Food Science
10-1-2000
Eects of Calcium β-HMB Supplementation
During Training on Markers of Catabolism, Body
Composition, Strength and Sprint Performance
Richard B. Kreider
University of Memphis
Maria Pontes Ferreira
Wayne State University, eu2210@wayne.edu
Michael Greenwood
University of Memphis
M. Wilson
University of Memphis
Pamela Grindsta
University of Memphis
See next page for additional authors
is Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Nutrition and Food Science at DigitalCommons@WayneState. It has been accepted for
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Recommended Citation
Kreider, R.B., Ferreira, M., Greenwood, M., Wilson, M., Grindha, P., Plisk, S., Reinardy, J., Cantler, E., and Almada, A.L. (2000)
Eects of calcium B-HMB supplemementation during training on markers of catabolism, body composition, strength, and sprint
performance. Journal of Exercise Physiology. 3(4): 48-59.
Available at: hp://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/nfsfrp/7
Effects of
β
–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
48
JEPonline
Journal of Exercise Physiologyonline
Official Journal of The American
Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP)
ISSN 1097-9751
An International Electronic Journal
Volume 3 Number 4 October 2000
Exercise Nutrition
Effects of Calcium β-HMB Supplementation During Training on Markers of Catabolism,
Body Composition, Strength and Sprint Performance
R.B. KREIDER, M. FERREIRA, M. GREENWOOD, M. WILSON, PAMELA GRINDSTAFF, S. PLISK, J.
REINARDY, E. CANTLER AND A.L. ALMADA
Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Human Movement Sciences & Education, Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
R.B. KREIDER, M. FERREIRA, M. GREENWOOD, M. WILSON, PAMELA GRINDSTAFF, S. PLISK, J.
REINARDY, E. CANTLER AND A.L. ALMADA. Effects of Calcium β-HMB Supplementation During Training on
Markers of Catabolism, Body Composition, Strength and Sprint Performance. JEPonline, 3(4):48-59, 2000. Calcium
β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation has been reported to reduce catabolism and promote gains in strength and fat free
mass in untrained individuals initiating training. However, the effects of HMB supplementation on strength and body composition
alterations during training in athletes is less clear. This study examined the effects of 28-d of calcium HMB supplementation during
intense training on markers of catabolism, body composition, strength, and sprint performance. In a double-blind and randomized
manner, 28 NCAA division I-A football players were matched-paired and assigned to supplement their diet for 28-d during winter
resistance/agility training (~8 hr/wk) with a carbohydrate placebo supplement (P) or the P supplement with 3 g/day of HMB as a
calcium salt (HMB). Prior to and following supplementation: dietary records and fasting blood samples were obtained; body
composition was determined via DEXA; subjects performed maximal effort bench press, barbell back squat, and power clean isotonic
repetition tests; and, subjects performed a repeated cycle ergometer sprint test (12 x 6-s sprints with 30-s rest recovery) to simulate a
12-play drive in football. Results revealed no significant differences between the placebo and HMB supplemented groups in markers
of catabolism, muscle/liver enzyme efflux, hematological parameters, body composition, combined lifting volume, or repetitive sprint
performance. Results indicate that HMB supplementation (3 g/day) during off-season college football resistance/agility training does
not reduce catabolism or provide ergogenic benefit.
Key Words: β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate, Exercise, Sport Nutrition, Dietary Supplementation, Ergogenic Aids
INTRODUCTION
The leucine metabolite β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) has recently become a popular dietary supplement
purported to promote gains in fat-free mass (FFM), reduce body fat, and increase strength during resistance-
training. The rationale for this is that leucine and metabolites of leucine such as β-ketoisocaproate (KIC) have
been reported to inhibit protein degradation (1,2). The anti-proteolytic effects of leucine and KIC have been
suggested to be regulated by the leucine metabolite HMB (2). Animal studies indicate that HMB is synthesized
from KIC primarily as a byproduct of leucine metabolism and that approximately 5% of oxidized leucine is
converted to HMB (3). Further, adding HMB to dietary feed improved colostral milk fat and sow performance
(4), tended to improve the carcass quality of steers (5), decreased markers of catabolism during training in
horses (6), and improved several markers of immune functions in chickens (7,8). Based on these findings, it has
Effects of
β
–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
49
been hypothesized that supplementing the diet with leucine and/or HMB in humans may inhibit protein
degradation during periods associated with increased proteolysis such as resistance training.
Although much of the available literature on HMB supplementation in humans is preliminary in nature, there
are several recently published articles and abstracts that support this hypothesis. In this regard, leucine infusion
has been reported to decrease protein degradation in humans, suggesting that leucine may serve as a regulator of
protein metabolism (1). Moreover, Nissen and colleagues reported some evidence that untrained men (2) and
women (2,9) initiating a resistance-training program experienced greater gains in fat free mass (FFM) and/or
strength when administered either 1.5 to 3 g/d of HMB (as the calcium salt) for 3 to 4-wks. These gains were
associated with significantly less muscle enzyme efflux as well as urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion,
suggesting that subjects ingesting HMB experienced less catabolism during training (2). Vukovich and
coworkers (10) reported that 8-wks of HMB supplementation (3 g/d as the calcium salt) significantly increased
FFM (-0.58 vs 1.5%), reduced fat mass (0.27 vs. -2.2%), and promoted greater gains in upper and lower
extremity 1 RM strength in a group of elderly men and women initiating training. Likewise, Panton and
colleagues (11) reported that HMB supplementation during 8-weeks of resistance training increased functional
ability to get up, walk, sit down in a group of elderly subjects. Finally, Gallagher and associates (12) evaluated
the effects of HMB supplementation (0.38 and 0.76 mg/kg/day) during 8-weeks of resistance training in
previously untrained men. The investigators reported that HMB supplementation promoted significantly less
muscle creatine kinase excretion and greater gains in muscle mass (in the 0.38 mg/kg/day group only) than
subjects taking a placebo. Collectively, these preliminary findings suggest that supplementing the diet with 1.5
to 3 g/d of HMB may enhance training-induced changes in FFM and strength in untrained subjects initiating
training (2,7,13).
Whether HMB supplementation reduces markers of whole body catabolism and/or promotes greater gains in
FFM and strength during training in well-trained athletes is less clear. Nissen and colleagues (2) reported that
calcium HMB supplementation (3 g/d of HMB as the calcium salt) ingested with the vitamin/mineral fortified
carbohydrate/protein meal replacement powder) significantly increased FFM (∼2.7 kg) during the first 3 to 4-
wks of a 7-wk off-season college football resistance-training program in comparison to subjects ingesting an
isoenergetic amount of orange juice. However, there were no significant differences between groups in FFM
after 7-wks of resistance training. Additionally, it was unclear whether the gains in FFM observed were due to
HMB supplementation, ingesting the vitamin/mineral fortified carbohydrate/protein supplement, and/or a
synergistic effect of HMB and one or more of the ingredients contained in vitamin/fortified carbohydrate/protein
supplement. In another study, Vukovich and colleagues (13) reported that 14-d of HMB supplementation (3 g/d
as the calcium salt) during training promoted significantly greater increases in time to exhaustion, lactate
threshold, and VO2 peak in trained cyclists (10). This finding suggests that HMB supplementation may provide
some ergogenic value during intense exercise. However, the mechanism for the increases observed remain to be
determined. More recently, Kreider and colleagues (14) administered a vitamin/mineral fortified
carbohydrate/protein power containing either 0, 3, or 6 g/d of HMB to experienced resistance trained athletes for
28 days of training. Results revealed that although trends were observed, HMB supplementation did not
significantly affect markers of muscle degradation, muscle mass, or strength.
Although HMB supplementation appears to enhance training adaptations in untrained subjects initiating
training, additional research is necessary before definitive conclusions can be made regarding the ergogenic
value HMB supplementation in athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HMB
supplementation during intense resistance/agility training affects markers of whole body catabolism, body
composition, isotonic lifting volume, and/or repetitive sprint performance in college football players.
Effects of
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–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
50
METHODS
Subjects
28 NCAA division I-A college football players undergoing winter/spring off-season resistance/agility training
volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were informed as to the experimental procedures and signed
informed consent statements in adherence with the human subjects guidelines of The University of Memphis
and the American College of Sports Medicine. Subjects were descriptively (mean±standard deviation) 20.0±1.5
yrs, 96.9±18 kg, 183±3 cm tall, 17.4±7 % body fat and had 1 repetition maximums (1RMs) of 138±22 kg in the
bench press, 210±35 kg in the back barbell squat, and 117±15 kg in the power hang clean.
Subjects signed statements indicating that they were not taking anabolic steroids and that they were aware that
they may be subject to random drug testing during the study, according to NCAA regulations. During the
conduct of the study, 15 subjects were randomly selected by the NCAA for drug testing during two independent
screenings. All drug tests were negative for the presence of anabolic/androgenic steroids according to NCAA
criteria. In addition, there was no history of athletes at this university testing positive for anabolic/androgenic
steroids in the previous 9 years of NCAA testing.
Experimental Design
Subjects maintained their normal training table provided diet throughout the study. Meals consisted of ad
libitum intake of a primary entree and a limited number of side entrees served at the team training table meals.
Consequently, although the athletes were allowed to select their own foods and ingest food outside of the
training table, diets of the athletes were similar. Moreover, subjects were not allowed to have ingested creatine,
HMB, or beta-agonists for an 8-wk period prior to the start of supplementation. Subjects were also instructed
not to ingest any other nutritional supplements, proposed ergogenic aids, or non-prescription drugs during the
course of the study.
Prior to the start of supplementation, subjects participated in two familiarization sessions and performed pre-
supplementation testing during the first two weeks of winter resistance training. In the first familiarization
session the procedures of the study were explained, the subjects were weighed, and training and medical history
forms were completed. In addition, the subjects practiced the cycle ergometer sprint test to be used in the study.
This test was designed to simulate a 12-play drive in football. Consequently, subjects performed 12 x 6-s
maximal effort sprints on computerized cycle ergometer with 30-sec of rest between each sprint at a
standardized work rate. Subjects performed one additional practice sprint trial prior to pre-supplementation
testing. Complete details of the sprint protocol used in this investigation are provided in the Procedures section
of this manuscript. Subjects were also instructed how to report nutritional intake by a Registered Dietitian.
Pre-supplementation assessments included: 1.) a 4-d nutritional intake assessment (including one weekend day);
2.) donation of an 8-h fasting venous blood sample; 3.) measurement of total body mass, total body water, and
body composition; 4.) performance of low repetition maximal effort isotonic bench press, back barbell squat and
power hang clean tests; and, 5.) performance of a 12 x 6-s sprint test with 30-s rest recovery between sprints on
a computerized cycle ergometer.
In a double-blind and randomized manner, subjects were then matched by total body mass and team position
and were assigned to supplement their diet for 28-d with either placebo containing 99 g/d of glucose, 3 g/d of
taurine, 1.1 g/d of disodium phosphate and 1.2 g/d of potassium phosphate (P) or the P supplement with 3 g/d of
HMB as the calcium salt (HMB). Supplements were prepared in powder form by an independent food science
lab and had identical texture, taste and appearance. Supplements were independently packaged in generic foil
packets for double-blind administration. Subjects mixed the supplement powder into approximately 0.25 L of
water and ingested the solution with morning, mid-day and evening meals.
Effects of
β
–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
51
Supplement packets were administered in blindly coded boxes containing a 15-d supply of the supplements.
Subject compliance in taking the supplements was verified by having a research assistant collect empty
supplement packets throughout the study. Subjects had to turn in all empty packets in order to receive the next
15-d supply of supplements. In addition, subjects had to turn in all empty packets throughout the remainder of
the study to receive the incentive for participating in the study (i.e. 4 cans of Phosphagain, Experimental &
Applied Sciences, Golden, CO). Consequently, compliance in taking the supplements was excellent.
During the 4-wk supplementation period, subjects participated in a standardized resistance and agility training
program. The program consisted of 5 hr/wk of heavy resistance-training conducted on Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, and Friday afternoons, as well as a 3 hr/wk of agility/sprint training conducted at 6:00 am on Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Primary lifts performed included bench press, incline bench press, shoulder
press, lateral pull downs, seated cable rows, upright rows, abdominals, squats, hip sled, gluteal/hamstring raises,
power hang cleans, and clean and jerk. Lifts were prescribed in a structured program on a weekly rotation of
lifts/sets/repetitions within a 4-wk microcyle (e.g. 1 to 3 sets of 2-8 repetitions, at intensities ranging from 60 to
95% of 1 RM). Agility training consisted of high intensity sprint and football agility drills. All training was
performed under the supervision of certified strength coaches and/or assistant football coaches. Attendance was
monitored and subjects who missed workouts were required to make them up according to team policy.
Following the 28-d supplementation period, subjects underwent post-supplementation assessments in a similar
manner as the pre-supplementation tests. Therefore, diet was recorded for 4-d; a fasting venous blood sample
was collected; body mass, body water, and body composition were determined; subjects performed the maximal
effort low repetition test on the isotonic bench press, barbell back squat, and power clean; and, the subjects
performed the 12 x 6-s cycle ergometer sprint test with 30-s of passive recovery between sprints.
Procedures
Nutritional intake was monitored for 4-d prior to the initiation of supplementation and during the final week of
supplementation. This was accomplished by having a Registered Dietitian and research assistants evaluate and
record all food/fluid ingested during training table meals. In addition, subjects reported any additional
food/fluids ingested between meals during this period. Nutritional records were analyzed by a Registered
Dietitian using the Food Processor III nutritional analysis software (Nutritional Systems, Salem, OR).
Subjects observed an overnight 8-h fast prior to donating blood samples. Venous blood samples were obtained
between 6:00 and 7:30 am via venipuncture from an antecubital vein in the forearm using standard phlebotomy
procedures. Venous blood was collected into 10 mL serum separation tubes (SST) and a 5 mL anticoagulant
tube (K3). The SST tubes were centrifuged at 5,000 rev/min for 10-min using a Biofuge 17R centrifuge
(Heraeus Inc., Germany). Samples were refrigerated and then shipped overnight in cold containers to Corning
Clinical Laboratories (St. Louis, MO) for clinical analysis. A complete clinical chemistry panel (31 items) was
run on serum samples using the Technicon DAX model 96-0147 automated chemistry analyzer using standard
clinical procedures (Technicon Inc., Terry Town, NY). Cell blood counts with percent differentials were run on
whole blood samples using a Coulter STKS automated analyzer using standard procedures (Coulter Inc.,
Hialeah, FL).
Total body mass was measured on a calibrated digital scale with a precision of ±0.02 kg (Sterling Scale Co.,
Southfield, MI). Total body water was estimated (15) using a Valhalla 1990b Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer
(San Diego, CA). Whole body (excluding cranium) body composition measurements were determined using a
Hologic QDR-2000 dual energy x-ray absorptiometer (DEXA) with the Hologic version V 7, REV F software
(Waltham, MA) using procedures previously described (16,17). DEXA measures the amount of bone, fat, and
Effects of
β
–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
52
fat-free/soft tissue mass which falls within a standardized density ranges using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
methodology. The DEXA scans regions of the body (right arm, left arm, trunk, right leg, and left leg) to
determine the amount of bone mass, fat mass, and fat-free/soft tissue mass within each region. The scanned
bone, fat, and fat-free/soft tissue mass for each region are then subtotaled to determine whole body (excluding
cranium) values. Percent body fat was calculated by dividing the amount of measured fat mass by total scanned
mass (sum of bone mass, fat mass, and fat-free/soft tissue mass). DEXA has been shown to be a highly reliable
(r=0.99) and precise method (coefficient of variation of 0.5-1%) for determining individual body composition
segments (18,19,20,21).
Subjects were positioned according to standardized criteria during the initial scan. DEXAs were performed
under the supervision of a certified radiology technician. Quality control (QC) calibration procedures were
performed on a spine phantom (Hologic X-CALIBER Model DPA/QDR-1 anthropometric spine phantom) prior
to each testing session according to procedures previously described (16,22,17). Mean coefficients of variation
in bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) measurements ranged between 0.41 to 0.55%
throughout the life of the unit. Test-retest reliability studies performed on male athletes with this DEXA
machine yielded mean deviation for total BMC and total fat free/soft tissue mass of 0.31% with a mean
intraclass correlation of 0.985 (16).
Subjects performed maximal effort repetition tests on the isotonic bench press, squat, and power hang clean in
order to determine lifting volume according to procedures previously described (17). This strength testing
approach was selected in consultation with the strength coaches because it more closely represented the type of
resistance-training the athletes were involved in during the study (i.e., a 4-wk periodized cycle of mid-range
repetitions). The athletes warm-up and then perform a maximal effort repetition test with a weight that the
strength coaches estimated the athlete could lift between 4 to 8 times, based on training lifting performance.
Lifting volume was determined by multiplying the amount of weight lifted by the number of repetitions
performed. Total lifting volume was determined by adding the sum of bench press, squat and power hang clean
lifting volumes. All isotonic test sets were performed under supervision of the certified strength coaches using
standardized lifting criteria (23,24,25).
The sprint tests were performed on a computerized CardiO2TM cycle ergometer equipped with toe clips at a
standardized work rate of 3.85 J/kg/rev (ErgometRx Corp., St. Paul, MN). Seat position was standardized
between trials. The ergometer was connected via an RS232 parallel interface to a Dell 466/Le Optiplex
computer (Dell Computer Corp., Austin, TX) using ErgometRx CardioscribeTM and ExerscribeTM software
(ErgometRx Corp., St. Paul, MN). Crank frequency was measured using a crystal referenced optic encoder with
a precision range of 0 to 200 rev/min and an accuracy of ±1 rev/min. Pedal torque was determined by a
calibrated strain gauge with a range of 0 to 2,000 W and an accuracy of ±1%. Data were collected and
downloaded into the computer at 2Hz.
Statistical Analysis
Nutritional, hematological, body composition, and strength data were analyzed by a 2 x 2 repeated measures
analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS for Windows Version 8.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Delta
scores (post - pre values) were calculated on selected variables and analyzed by one-way ANOVA. In order to
normalize differences between groups in pre-supplementation sprint performance, Day 28 work data were
analyzed by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using Day 0 data as the covariate. Power estimates based on
this experimental design revealed estimated power values of 0.15, 0.72, and 0.98 for small (0.25), moderate
(0.75), and large (1.25) effects, respectively. Observed power ranged from 0.05 to 0.99 for group, time, and
interaction alpha levels. Data are presented as mean±standard deviation. Data were considered significantly
different when the probability of error was 0.05 or less.
Effects of
β
–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
53
RESULTS
Side Effects
Subjects tolerated the supplementation protocol well with no reports of medical problems/symptoms in post-
study questionnaires administered in a blinded manner. In addition, no significant medical complications were
observed and/or treated by the athletic training staff during the study.
Nutritional Intake
Table 1 presents dietary analysis data for the P and HMB groups. No significant interactions were observed
between P and HMB groups in mean relative daily energy intake, carbohydrate intake, or fat intake. Protein
intake significantly decreased in the P group following supplementation (0.3 g/kg) and was significantly lower
than the HMB group. Additionally, overall mean energy and carbohydrate intake in the P group was
significantly lower than the HMB during the course of the study.
Table 1. Mean daily dietary intake data for the P and HMB groups.
Variable Group Day 0 Day 28 p
Energy
Intake
(kcal/kg/.d)
P
HMB
41.7±10.0
46.7±14.2
36.9±10.2
47.3± 8.9
Group 0.06
Time 0.32
Group x Time 0.20
Carbohydrate
(g/kg/.d) P
HMB
4.7±1.2
5.6±2.3
4.8±1.2
6.0±1.1
Group 0.04
Time 0.47
Group x Time 0.66
Protein
(g/kg/.d) P
HMB
1.8±0.4
1.8±0.5
1.5±0.5 '#
1.9±0.4 *
Group 0.19
Time 0.30
Group x Time 0.04
Fat
(g/kg/.d) P
HMB
1.8±0.5
1.8±0.4
1.4±0.4
1.5±0.3
Group 0.66
Time
0.001
Group x Time 0.30
Data are means±standard deviations, *Represents p<0.05 difference from P group.
# Represents p<0.05 difference from HMB group., ' Represents p<0.05 difference from Day 0.
Blood Chemistry Profiles
Table 2 presents selected markers of whole body catabolism and muscle/liver enzymes. No significant
interactions were observed between the P and HMB groups in any of these variables. Additionally, no
significant interactions were observed between P and HMB groups in serum total protein, albumin, globulin,
alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, ionized calcium,
phosphorus, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins, very low density
lipoproteins, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosonophils, basophils, hemoglobin, hematocrit,
total bilirubin, total iron, platelets, red blood cells, red blood cells distribution width, mean corpuscular volume,
or mean platelet volume.
Body Composition
Table 3 presents body composition data obtained on days 0 and 28 of supplementation while Figure 1 presents
mean changes in body composition data from day 0 values. Training resulted in significant increases in total
body mass, lean/soft tissue mass, and bone mass while decreasing body fat percentage for both groups.
Effects of
β
–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
54
However, no significant differences were observed between groups in changes in total body weight, total body
water, scanned mass, lean/soft tissue mass, fat mass, bone mass, or percent body fat.
Table 2. Selected markers of catabolism for the P and HMB supplemented groups.
Variable Group Day 0 Day 28 p
Creatinine
(
µ
µµ
µ
mol/L)
P
HMB
104±9
104±14
109±13
114±13
Group 0.43
Time
0.003
Group x Time 0.23
Urea Nitrogen
(mmol/L) P
HMB
4.4±1.3
5.6±1.3
6.4±1.0
6.1±1.4
Group 0.85
Time
0.001
Group x Time 0.40
Urea Nitrogen/
Creatinine Ratio P
HMB
12.3±3.4
12.4±3.2
14.7±2.6
13.4±3.4
Group 0.61
Time
0.003
Group x Time 0.20
Uric Acid
(
µ
µµ
µ
mol/L)
P
HMB
416±114
391±91
561±91
578±133
Group 0.93
Time
0.001
Group x Time 0.33
CK
(IU/L) P
HMB
251±132
271±219
427±226
515±323
Group 0.51
Time
0.001
Group x Time 0.40
LDH
(IU/L) P
HMB
158±13
147±23
176±21
172±24
Group 0.34
Time
0.001
Group x Time 0.18
AST
(IU/L) P
HMB
21.0±4.2
21.2±5.8
20.5±5.6
22.8±6.7
Group 0.53
Time 0.56
Group x Time 0.26
AST
(IU/L) P
HMB
27.5±9.9
26.8±10.7
25.5±12.2
24.1± 8.4
Group 0.78
Time 0.10
Group x Time 0.81
Data are means±standard deviations
Strength
No significant differences were observed between groups in changes in bench press lifting volume (P -5±134;
HMB -9±182 kg, p=0.95), squat lifting volume (P 267±308; HMB 111±358 kg, p=0.23), power clean lifting
volume (P 921±326; HMB 1,140±470 kg, p=0.17), or total lifting volume for all three lifts combined (P
1,184±517; HMB 1,241±697 kg, p=0.80).
Effects of
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–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
55
Sprint Performance
Figure 2 presents Day 0 and Day 28 mean work (J) responses observed for the P and HMB groups during the 12
x 6-s sprints. ANCOVA revealed no significant differences between groups in work performed during the
repeated cycling tests.
Table 3. Body composition values observed on day 0 and 28 of supplementation
for the P and HMB supplemented groups.
Variable Group Day 0 Day 28 p
Body Mass
(kg) P
HMB 96.9±18.2
96.9±18.1 97.7±18.1
98.2±18.1 Group 0.97
Time 0.007
Group x Time 0.54
Scanned Body Mass
(kg) P
HMB 90.2±17.1
90.1±16.8 91.0±16.8
91.5± 16.7 Group 0.93
Time 0.004
Group x Time 0.85
Lean Tissue Mass
(kg) P
HMB 69.8±8.7
71.1± (9.1 71.1±8.5
72.4±9.3 Group 0.72
Time 0.001
Group x Time 0.91
Fat Mass
(kg) P
HMB 17.2±10.3
15.9± 8.2 16.7±9.9
15.1±9.6 Group 0.69
Time 0.17
Group x Time 0.81
Bone Mass
(kg) P
HMB 3,132±465
3,105±503 3,154±469
3,136±500 Group 0.91
Time 0.007
Group x Time 0.65
Body Fat
(%) P
HMB 18.0±8.0
16.7±6.0 17.3±7.7
16.5±6.3 Group 0.71
Time 0.03
Group x Time 0.22
Total Body Water
(L) P
HMB 62.3±10.5
62.5±10.6 62.3±10.6
62.7±10.1 Group 0.95
Time 0.79
Group x Time 0.78
TBM (kg) LTM (kg) FM (kg) BF (%)
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
Effects of
β
–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
56
Figure 1. Changes in DEXA determined scanned total body mass (TBM), soft/lean tissue mass (LTM), fat mass
(FM) and percent body fat (BF) observed for the placebo (open bars) and HMB (dark bars) supplemented groups.
Data are means±standard deviations.
DISCUSSION
Previous studies indicate that HMB supplementation (1.5 or 3 g/d of HMB as the calcium salt) during 2 to 8-
wks of training promoted significantly greater changes in FFM, fat loss, and/or strength while decreasing
markers of catabolism in untrained men and women initiating a resistance-training program (12,18). With
regards to athletes, HMB supplementation (3 g/d of HMB as the calcium salt) with a carbohydrate/protein meal
replacement supplement during 7-wk of off-season college football resistance-training has been reported to
promote greater gains in FFM during the first 3 to 4-wks of training in comparison to ingesting an isocaloric
amount of orange juice (2). Additionally, HMB supplementation (3 g/d of HMB as the calcium salt) during
endurance training has been reported to promote greater gains in lactate threshold in trained cyclists (10,13).
Collectively, these studies suggest that HMB supplementation may enhance training-induced adaptations.
Figure 2. Pre- (g) and post-supplementation (n) work responses for peforming the 12 x 6-s cycle ergometer sprints
with 30-s rest recovery between sprints for days 0 and 28. Data are means±standard deviations.
Da
y
0
Da
y
28
Effects of
β
–HMB on Body Composition, Strength, and Sprint Performance
57
Results of the present study, however, do not support these previous findings. In this regard, calcium HMB
supplementation (3 g/d) during intense off-season resistance/agility football training did not significantly affect
markers of whole-body anabolic/catabolic status, muscle enzyme efflux, body composition, or total combined
isotonic lifting volume. Moreover, HMB supplementation had no effects on repetitive sprint performance
simulating a 12-play drive in football. These findings indicate that HMB supplementation during intense
training provides no ergogenic value to college football players during off-season training. These results
support previous findings from our lab indicating that supplementing the diet with a vitamin and mineral
fortified carbohydrate/protein powder containing 3 and 6 g/d of HMB for 28-d during resistance-training did not
significantly markers of catabolism, body composition, or strength in male weight lifters (14).
There are several possible reasons for the discrepancy in results observed among studies. First, it is possible
that 4-wks of HMB supplementation (3 g/d) does not affect crude markers of anabolic/catabolic status, muscle
and liver enzyme efflux, body composition, strength, or sprint capacity in well-trained athletes undergoing
intense resistance/agility training. Second, it is possible that HMB supplementation may be more effective in
untrained subjects initiating training than in trained subjects (12). Third, although previous studies reported
significant benefits of HMB supplementation within 3 to 4-wks of supplementation, it is possible that athletes
involved in intense training may require a longer period of time in order to obtain an ergogenic effect from
HMB supplementation. Finally, it is possible that differences in experimental design (e.g., types of subjects
evaluated, dietary controls, type of training, etc.), methods employed (e.g., placebos used, supplement
formulations investigated, methods of assessing body composition and strength), and/or statistical analysis
procedures employed among studies may account for some of the differences observed.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings in this investigation do not support contentions that HMB supplementation (3 g/d) reduces markers
of catabolism or promotes lean tissue accretion, fat loss, and/or gains in isotonic lifting volume in well-trained
athletes undergoing resistance/agility training. These findings also indicate that HMB supplementation provides
no ergogenic value to well-trained athletes involved in intermittent high intensity exercise. Whether longer
periods of supplementation and/or higher doses of HMB are necessary to reduce whole body catabolism,
promote lean tissue accretion, fat loss, and/or gains in strength during intense-training in well-trained athletes
remains to be determined. Further, whether HMB supplementation provides greater benefit to untrained men
and women initiating resistance training compared to well-trained athletes also remains to be determined.
Additional research should evaluate the effects of HMB supplementation at varying doses on anabolic/catabolic
status, body composition, and strength in untrained male and female subjects initiating training as well as in
well-trained athletes involved in intense periods of training.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the subjects who participated in this study and the laboratory assistants in Exercise &
Sport Nutrition Laboratory, the Universities Prevention Center, and in the Department of Athletics at The
University of Memphis who assisted in data acquisition and analysis. This study was funded in part through a
research grant provided to The University of Memphis from Experimental and Applied Sciences, Golden, CO
(EAS). Investigators from The University of Memphis collected, analyzed and interpreted data from this study
and have no financial interest in the outcome of results reported. Presentation of results in this study does not
constitute endorsement by The University of Memphis of the nutrients investigated.
Current address for M. Ferreira, MS, RD is School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University -
MacDonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. Current address for M.
Greenwood, PhD, CSCS * D is Department of Health, Physical Education, and Sport Sciences, Arkansas State
University, P.O. Box 240, State University, AR 72467. Current address for S. Plisk, MS, CSCS, is Department
of Athletics and Physical Education, Yale University, P.O. Box 208216, New Haven, CT. 06520-8216. Current
address for J. Reinardy, MS, CSCS is Department of Athletics, 1800 S. Fourth, Jabcobson Building, Iowa State
University, Ames, IO 50011. Current address for A.L. Almada, MSC is MetaResponse Sciences, Inc., 9053
Soquel Dr., Suite 202, Aptos, CA 90053.
Address for correspondence:
Richard B. Kreider, PhD, Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Human Movement Sciences &
Education, The University of Memphis, FH 106C, Memphis, TN 38152.
