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HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Very well tolerated; no significant side effects reported in clinical trials
  • Mild GI discomfort in rare cases
  • No adverse effects on liver or kidney function markers at standard doses

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • No significant drug interactions reported
  • Statins — HMB shares the mevalonate pathway; theoretical interaction but not clinically significant
  • May complement creatine for additive muscle-preserving effects

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 6 g/day has been used safely but does not appear more effective than 3 g/day

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References

  1. Meta-analysisNissen S, Sharp R. (2003). Effect of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: a meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Physiology. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTWilson JM, Lowery RP, Joy JM, et al. (2014). The effects of 12 weeks of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate free acid supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and power. European Journal of Applied Physiology. DOI PubMed
  3. Meta-analysisWu 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
  4. RCTTinsley GM, Givan AH, Graybeal AJ, Villarreal MI, et al. (2018). β-Hydroxy β-methylbutyrate free acid alters cortisol responses, but not myofibrillar proteolysis, during a 24-h fast.. The British journal of nutrition. DOI PubMed
  5. RCTOlveira G, Olveira C, Doña E, Palenque FJ, et al. (2016). Oral supplement enriched in HMB combined with pulmonary rehabilitation improves body composition and health related quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis (Prospective, Randomised Study).. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). DOI PubMed
  6. RCTFuller JC, Sharp RL, Angus HF, Khoo PY, et al. (2015). Comparison of availability and plasma clearance rates of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate delivery in the free acid and calcium salt forms.. The British journal of nutrition. DOI PubMed