Forms Comparison
| Form | Bioavailability | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| HMB Free Acid (HMB-FA) | High | Fastest absorption; peak levels in ~30 min; best taken pre-workout |
| Calcium HMB (HMB-Ca) | Moderate | Most common and studied form; slower absorption; taken with meals |
Types of HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate): Forms & Bioavailability
Evidence:Moderate
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HMB Free Acid (HMB-FA)
Bioavailability: High. Best for: Fastest absorption; peak levels in ~30 min; best taken pre-workout.
Calcium HMB (HMB-Ca)
Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Most common and studied form; slower absorption; taken with meals.
Find the best HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) for your needs
Ranked by form, bioavailability, and value
References
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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