HMB Press Release

[JustKim]

I just received this press release and thought you guys may be interested.

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Contact: Robyn Curtis (719) 632-6722
Email: rcurtis@nsca-lift.org <mailto:rcurtis@nsca-lift.org>


Popular Dietary Supplement questionable
Study indicates little evidence that the supplement
HMB benefits athletic populations

Colorado Springs, CO -(March 24, 2003)- The National Strength and
Conditioning Association (NSCA) recently published a study in its official
scientific journal, The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
(Vol.17, No. 1, page 34-39), that finds the nutritional supplement
Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methybutyrate (HMB) does not increase the ability to build
muscle and burn fat in relation to intense exercise.

In the last few years, HMB, a byproduct of the essential amino acid leucine,
has become one of the best-selling sports supplements. The proposed effects
of HMB supplementation are numerous, and it has been hypothesized that HMB
reduces muscle damage following exercise, thereby increasing the body's
ability to build muscle and burn fat.

A team of researchers from Oklahoma State University, Armstrong Atlantic
State University, and Mississippi State University investigated the effects
of the popular supplement, in relation to intense exercise, on 35 collegiate
football players. During the nine-week study, certified strength and
conditioning coaches carefully monitored the athletes who trained 20 hours
per week. The study followed a randomized, double blind, crossover, placebo
design where subjects were given either 3 grams of HMB or placebo for 4
weeks while engaging in a strenuous exercise program. A one-week rest period
was observed before the subjects were given the other supplement (either the
placebo or HMB) for an additional 4 weeks while vigorous training continued.


The athletes were tested for muscular strength before and after
supplementation using the bench press, squat, and power clean. Body
composition, including body fat and body weight, was also measured.

Results indicated no significant change in muscular strength, total body
weight, or percent body fat. Although no considerable effects were noted,
the researchers suggest caution in generalizing the study's results. Prior
research suggests that HMB may be most effective when starting an exercise
program or increasing the workload of a training program. Additional
research is needed before HMB can be recommended as an ergogenic supplement
to reduce muscle protein damage during training periods when volume and
intensity are increased.

Throughout its 25-year history, the National Strength and
Conditioning Association has sought to educate its members and increase
respect for the strength and conditioning profession. The NSCA fulfills this
goal by providing a wide variety of resources such as: exceptional
professional journals; cutting edge conferences; scholarship and grant
opportunities; educational text and videos; and career services to its
26,000 members. Visit the NSCA web site www.nsca-lift.org
<http://www.nsca-lift.org> for more information.

###

NOTE: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research is the official
research journal of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and
is available from Alliance Communication Group at 800-627-0932. For a
complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 17, No. 1, page 34-39) or to speak
with a leading strength and conditioning expert on the topic, you may
contact the NSCA Public Relations Department at 800-815-6826.

[Sid]

Interesting read Kim. Funny, my EAS Betagen has HMB and Creatine. I love it! Maybe I just love the creatine though. If so, that makes it a whole lot less expensive since you can get plain ol' creatine for 1/2 the price.

[DiamondDeb]

I tried HMB over a year ago and it was a complete waste of money. Most people (I don't actually know of anyone who got good results from it) I know who've tried it have had the same non-existant results.

[BFL Chick]

I am the most skeptical person in the whole world. I never try anything on my body unless it has been proven safe by the FDA.
It is amazing that just because something is a supplement or natural or herbal, it doesn't get regulated by the FDA.
For instance, one of those coconut oil sites claims that coconut oil cures AIDS!!! How dumb do they think we are?

[smasty]

Thanks Kim! I also adore Betagen (creatine + HMB)....I believed it was the HMB that was effecting me, but I've tried HMB by itself and not gotten the same effect.

[JustKim]

I won't make any comments about creatine

[smasty]

You're cute I've been off of it for so long. Hate the water gain.

[DiamondDeb]