Side effect
The side effects or adverse effects (=UAW) of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, i.e. HMB, have not yet been conclusively researched. There is no evidence of typical side effects associated with the consumption of HMB. However, the reason for this is not necessarily the fact that no side effects are actually to be expected, but rather the fact that there are no meaningful long-term studies on HMB intake.
There are studies, but their observation period is somewhat shorter than the actual duration of consumption of most bodybuilders can be compared. Even if the side effects are not yet clearly defined, the aspect that no significant adverse effects have occurred to date can be rated positively. Even in animal experiments, no classical side effects have been observed.
In conclusion, it can be said that HMB can be taken relatively safely. The prerequisite should of course be that the dosage information is adhered to. The primary goal in bodybuilding is to build up as much muscle mass as possible.
After a certain training level, the increase stagnates, so that often food supplements with appropriate ingredients are taken to achieve a further training effect. Especially the HMB is often integrated as a supplement by bodybuilders in the training plan because of its anabolic, i.e. muscle-building effect. In addition to the anabolic effect, the anti-catabolic effect also speaks for HMB in the application as a bodybuilder.
During longer training sessions or loads, the body may need other energy sources and then begins to break down the muscles as an energy source. Especially in bodybuilding, the muscle mass must not be reduced under any circumstances, so that the anti-catabolic, that is, degradation-inhibiting effect, is an essential goal. The fact that HMB reduces the risk of muscular injury is also beneficial to the bodybuilder.
Especially in the field of bodybuilding, HMB is not only taken as a single preparation, but also in combination with calcium (Ca) or creatinine. For this there is an extra Ca-HMB preparation. Studies have also shown that the effect on the anabolism of the muscles in combination with creatinine is increased.
Although the use of HMB in bodybuilding is now well established, there are no significant study results that prove a definite effect. It should therefore not be assumed that the effect is 100% guaranteed and it should be kept in mind that the muscle-building effect has different strengths and individual effects.
