Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Very few reported side effects — HMB is generally very well tolerated
- Occasional mild GI discomfort (nausea, diarrhea) at higher doses
- No adverse effects on liver or kidney function in clinical trials up to 6 g/day
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- No significant drug interactions reported
- Stacks well with creatine and protein — some evidence of additive benefits
- May complement but not replace adequate protein/leucine intake
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 6 g/day; doses above 3 g show diminishing returns in most studies
References
- Nissen S, Sharp RL (2003). Effect of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: a meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Physiology. DOI PubMed
- Wu H, Xia Y, Jiang J, et al. (2015). Effect of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation on muscle loss in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. DOI PubMed
- Wilkinson DJ, Hossain T, Hill DS, et al. (2013). Effects of leucine and its metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate on human skeletal muscle protein metabolism. Journal of Physiology. DOI PubMed