Background: The aging process has great impact on body composition, such as the increase of adipose tissue in abdominal region, and the decrease of lean body mass, due to skeletal muscle loss. A reduction in muscle mass is associated to high risk of fractures and falls, loss of mobility, and increased number of hospitalizations. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a biological substance derived from leucine metabolism, with anabolic and anticatabolic properties. Some HMB effects are tissue repair stimulation and protein anabolism. Aims: We aimed to evaluate the effects of HMB supplementation on body composition and muscle strength in elderly, as well as to identify the efficient dosages to reach these effects. Methods: This review included studies that evaluated muscle mass and muscle strength, associated or not with physical exercise and diet in elderly people. Only studies published from 2008 to 2019 were selected for analysis. Results: Six articles were included in the review. The used doses varied from 1.5 to 3 g. In 5 studies, HMB supplementation was associated with calcium; only 1 study did not use the oral administration route. Two studies used 4 g of maltodextrin as a vehicle; 1 used HMB with a hypercaloric and hyperproteic supplement; 1 associated HMB with lysine and arginine; and 1 with arginine and glutamine. Supplementation of 3 g of HMB has shown to be most beneficial in improving strength and body composition in people over 65 years, especially in bed rest and untrained conditions. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HMB has a positive effect on body composition and strength, especially in bedridden or sedentary elderly, due to its anticatabolic properties.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.