Effects of 12-Weeks of Supplementation with beta -Hydroxy- beta -Methylbutrate-Ca (HMB-Ca) on Athletic Performance

It has recently been suggested that beta -hydroxy- beta -methylbutyrate-Ca (HMB-Ca) increases fat-free mass (FFM) and strength gains during resistance training in adults. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the effects of HMB-Ca (37.5 mg times day super(-1)) on body composition, athletic performance, and inflammatory mediators in 20 elite canoeists (age, 18.7 + or - 1.49 yrs; body weight, 78.9 + or - 3.3 kg). The athletes were supplemented and followed for a period of 12 wks during strength training. The results indicated that a dose of HMB-Ca could potentiate an increase in lean body mass (peak strength of 76.70 + or - .92 to 80.95 + or - 2.17 N, pre-test and post-test, respectively) commensurate with strength gains associated with endurance training in competitive athletes. The mechanism by which this occurs is still unknown, but the results indicate that supplementation might decrease the damage to skeletal muscle when stressed before training with a significant difference in serum creatinine (P