The Effects of Supplementationof ss-Hydroxy-ss- Melthylbutyrate on Inflammatory Markers in High Performance Athletes

• Published in: Journal of exercise physiology online Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 53 - 63
• Main Authors: Ferreira, H R, Rodacki, ALF, Gill, P, Tanhoffer, R, Fernandes, L C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-02-2013
• Subjects: Athletes; Boating; Body mass; Dietary supplements; Muscles; Resistance exercise; Sports; Strength (training)
• ISSN: 1097-9751; 1097-9751

The use of ergogenic nutritional supplements is becoming inseparable from competitive sports. The leucine metabolite ss-hydroxy-ss-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been used as an ergogenic aid to promote increased fat-free mass (FFM) and strength gains during resistance training. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effects of 37.5 mg times kg super(-1) times d super(-1) HMB supplementation on body composition, sports performance, and inflammatory mediators. The subjects consisted of 20 elite paddlers, during strength training for 6 months. There was an increase in lean body mass (2.7 kg P<0.05), reduced levels of CK and LDH (-37.23 and -20.92 UL super(-1), P<0.05, respectively), and a decrease in time official race of -4.45 sec in the HMB group. The results indicate that the proposed dosage of HMB can increase lean body mass and strength in association with resistance training in already trained athletes. The mechanism by which this occurs is still unknown. Also, the findings indicate that there may be a decrease in the damage to skeletal muscle when stressed before training.