HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate)
Calcium or free-acid beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. Dietary Supplement, leucine metabolite.
This page describes what HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Dietary Supplement
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter (unrestricted)
- Half-life
- ~2.5 hours (calcium salt)
- Liver strain
- None at typical doses
- Kidney strain
- None at typical doses
- Converts to estrogen
- None
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Not typically
Medical uses
- Muscle wasting in older adults and illness
What it does in the body
Anabolic
- Reduces muscle protein breakdown
- Benefits clearest in beginners, older adults and during calorie deficits; small in trained lifters
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Oral (capsule/powder) | ~2.5 hours (calcium salt) | N/A (not a banned substance) |
Side effects and health risks
General
- Well tolerated
Related compounds
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Creatine Hydrochloride (HCl)
- L-Glutamine
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
- Dextrose
- Melatonin
- BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
- EAAs (Essential Amino Acids)
Questions
What is the half-life of HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate)?
About ~2.5 hours (calcium salt). Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) detectable?
Testing windows of N/A (not a banned substance) are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) legal?
Over-the-counter (unrestricted). Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate)?
Ask a doctor which tests suit you.
What are the side effects of HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate)?
General: well tolerated.
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.