Evidence supporting the use of: HMB Hydroxymethylbutyrate
For the health condition: Muscular Dystrophy

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine and has been studied for its potential to slow muscle protein breakdown and support muscle mass in various populations, including those with muscle wasting disorders. Regarding muscular dystrophy, limited scientific evidence exists to support its use, but there is some preliminary data from small clinical studies and animal research that suggest possible benefits.

Some studies have investigated the effects of HMB supplementation in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and other neuromuscular disorders. For example, a small open-label pilot study (Sacheck et al., 2012) observed that HMB, combined with other supplements (arginine and glutamine), was safe and might help slow the loss of muscle function in boys with DMD. However, the study's design did not allow for definitive conclusions, and the sample size was small.

Animal models have also shown that HMB can attenuate muscle wasting and improve muscle mass and strength, but these results have not been robustly replicated in large human trials for muscular dystrophy specifically.

In summary, HMB is not a traditional remedy for muscular dystrophy, but there is modest scientific interest and preliminary evidence suggesting potential benefit. The quality and quantity of evidence remain limited, and further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy for this indication.

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