HMB Supplementation and Resistance Training: Current Overview on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

?-hydroxy ?-methylbutyrate (HMB), a bioactive metabolite of the branched-chain amino acid leucine, is a popular dietary supplement among different athletes who participate in regular resistance training for muscle gain and strength. However, HMB has received less attention concerning its impact on changes in inflammation, oxidative stress (OS) and cardiovascular risk factors following resistance training. Therefore, in this chapter we aim to summarize the current literature in this area in a reasoned manner. Due to the small number of published studies, the interpretation of outcomes should be taken cautiously. However, the data reviewed here suggest that acute HMB supplementation may attenuate the pro-inflammatory response following high-intensity resistance exercise in athletes. Moreover, the available findings collectively indicate that chronic HMB consumption and concurrent resistance training does not improve cardiovascular parameters and OS markers greater than resistance training alone. Taken together, there is clearly a need for further well-designed, long-term studies to support these findings and determine whether HMB supplementation affects the adaptations induced by resistance training associated with the body’s inflammatory condition, cardiovascular health and antioxidative defense system in humans.