Supplement Forms/Alternate Names:
- Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyric Acid
- Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methyl butyrate
Introduction
Hydroxymethyl butyrate (HMB) is a compound made by the body that breaks down amino acids. It has been used to improve athletic performance. HMB has also been used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It can be taken as a pill or powder.
Dosages
There are no advised doses for hydroxymethyl butyrate.
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
- Cancer support —may increase lean body mass when taken with arginine and glutamine by people who have advanced solid tumors; may prevent radiation dermatitis in people with head and neck cancer C1, C2
- Diabetic foot ulcer —may improve healing when used with arginine and glutamine D1
- Hip fractures —may improve muscle mass and function and prevent sarcopenia when taken with other supplements by older adults F1, F2
- Muscle loss—may preserve muscle mass in older adults G1
May Not Be Effective
- Lung cancer support —may not improve lean body mass when taken with arginine and glutamine by people who have advanced lung cancer C
- Wound complications —may not be reduced when taken with arginine and glutamine by people having open surgery H1
Unlikely to Be Effective
- Athletic performance —unlikely to have any effect on strength and body composition in athletes A1
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take hydroxymethyl butyrate in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Athletic Performance
REFA1 Sanchez-Martinez J, Santos-Lozano A, et al. Effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation on strength and body composition in trained and competitive athletes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Sci Med Sport. 2018 Jul;21(7):727-735.
REFB Bronchiectasis
REFB1 Olveira G, Olveira C, et al. Oral supplement enriched in HMB combined with pulmonary rehabilitation improves body composition and health related quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis (Prospective, Randomised Study). Clin Nutr. 2016 Oct;35(5):1015-1022.
REFC Cancer Support
REFC1 Imai T, Matsuura K, et al. Effect of HMB/Arg/Gln on the prevention of radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2014 May;44(5):422-427.
REFC2 Mochamat, Cuhls H, et al. A systematic review on the role of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other supplements for the treatment of cachexia in cancer: a European Palliative Care Research Centre cachexia project. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2017 Feb;8(1):25-39.
REFD Diabetic Foot Ulcer
REFD1 Armstrong DG, Hanft JR, et al. Effect of oral nutritional supplementation on wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective randomized controlled trial. Diabet Med. 2014 Sep;31(9):1069-1077.
REFE Hemodialysis Support
REFE1 Fitschen PJ, Biruete A, et al. Efficacy of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Hemodial Int. 2017 Jan;21(1):107-116.
REFF Hip Fracture
REFF1 Ekinci O, Yanık S, et al. Effect of Calcium β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (CaHMB), Vitamin D, and Protein Supplementation on Postoperative Immobilization in Malnourished Older Adult Patients With Hip Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutr Clin Pract. 2016 Dec;31(6):829-835.
REFF2 Malafarina V, Uriz-Otano F, et al. Effectiveness of nutritional supplementation on sarcopenia and recovery in hip fracture patients. A multi-centre randomized trial. Maturitas. 2017 Jul;101:42-50.
REFG Muscle Loss in Older Adults
REFG1 Wu H, Xia Y, et al. Effect of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation on muscle loss in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2015 Sep-Oct;61(2):168-175.
REFH Wound Complications
REFH1 Wada N, Kurokawa Y, et al. Perioperative Nutritional Support With Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, Arginine, and Glutamine in Surgery for Abdominal Malignancies. Wounds. 2018 Sep;30(9):251-256.