HMB

What is HMB?

HMB stands for beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of leucine, one of the branched-chain amino acids: the body forms small amounts of HMB from the leucine it gets from food. In sports nutrition, HMB has been on the shelf for decades and is often combined with creatine.

Most products contain calcium HMB (Ca-HMB), a stable salt that is easy to put into capsules and tablets. A less common form is HMB free acid, usually sold as a liquid.

Our range

• Olimp Nutrition HMB and HMB Mega Caps – capsules.
• NOW Foods HMB – 500 mg and 1000 mg capsules and a powder.
• Nutrend HMB 4500, OstroVit HMB 2250 and OstroVit HMB Powder.
• Trec Nutrition HMB Formula Caps and HMB Liquid.
• Applied Nutrition HMB 500 mg, Apex Formulas HMB and Nutrex HMB 1000.

Creatine + HMB blends

Some products combine both ingredients: Animal Creatine HMB+, Applied Nutrition Creatine + HMB, Nutrex Creatine + HMB and Raw Nutrition Creatine + HMB. For the creatine in these blends there is an authorised claim: creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g of creatine. No such claim exists for HMB itself.

What to look for on the label

• Amount of HMB per serving: check whether the figure on the front refers to one capsule or to the full daily serving (for example, 4500 mg across several capsules).
• Calcium salt or free acid: Ca-HMB contributes some calcium; the free acid comes as a liquid.
• Form: capsules and tablets are easy to take; powder lets you adjust the amount and mix it into a shake.
• Blends: for creatine + HMB, check how much creatine one serving provides.
• Dose: follow the directions on the label.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet.

Frequently asked questions

Is HMB an amino acid?

No. HMB is a compound the body forms from the amino acid leucine, so it is often sold next to amino acids.

What is the difference between Ca-HMB and HMB free acid?

Ca-HMB is HMB bound to calcium, usually in capsules, tablets or powder. HMB free acid is the unbound form and is mostly sold as a liquid.

Why is HMB often combined with creatine?

Many people who use creatine also take HMB, so brands offer both in one product. Check the amount of each per serving.