Is HMB bad for your liver?

What is HMB?

HMB, a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine, helps prevent muscle protein breakdown and may improve strength and muscle mass in older adults. Yet, its benefits for athletes are unclear. HMB has protein-building effects and can increase muscles’ branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and ATP. Studies on healthy rats showed HMB raised BCAAs in blood and ATP in muscles but had little effect on muscle mass. 

In rats with liver cirrhosis caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), HMB increased BCAAs in blood and ATP in muscles but also led to higher mortality, lower body weight, and adverse effects on the liver. This suggests HMB is beneficial for healthy muscles but may worsen liver cirrhosis. More research is needed to understand HMB’s effects on liver health.

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Is HMB bad for your liver?

HMB may improve liver function by boosting metabolism and decreasing inflammation. It controls key liver pathways such as AMPK, TLR4, and NOD. Compared to research, eating 6 grams of HMB daily has no impact on cholesterol, blood sugar, liver, or renal function. HMB is also safe when utilized with other amino acids and creatinine. It looks to have a good effect on liver health and is not hazardous when used as shown.

How does HMB work?

HMB promotes muscle growth and decreases muscular breakdown. It performs this by stimulating muscle protein development by the mechanism of mTOR and raising growth hormone levels. HMB also reduces protein breakdown by regulating two essential reactions in the body that break down peptides during stress, such as hunger or illness. This helps to maintain lean muscle mass in many different kinds of situations.

Benefits of HMB

• HMB helps prevent muscle breakdown and loss of lean muscular tissues.
• It is particularly useful at some stage in situations that cause muscle loss, like most cancers, AIDS, and getting older.
• HMB is powerful in preserving muscle mass and strength in older adults who are inactive or bedridden.
• It boosts muscle protein production but does no longer increase muscle groups or enhance strength in athletes.
• HMB may help reduce muscle harm after severe exercise.

Disadvantages of HMB

Taking 3 grams of HMB per day is generally safe and well-tolerated. This is the common dose used in studies. Higher doses might also be safe, but few studies on doses above 3 grams exist.

• One study found that 6 grams of HMB daily did not affect cholesterol, blood sugar, or liver and kidney function.
• HMB is also safe with other amino acids (like arginine, lysine, and glutamine) and creatine.

Dosage guidelines for HMB

HMB is used in quantities ranging from 1-3 grams daily to prevent muscle loss over time. It is notably more effective than leucine, with just a little of HMB having the same influence as a bigger dose of leucine. However, because HMB cannot be reabsorbed by the kidneys and is eliminated through urine, dividing the daily dose into 3 smaller doses can help keep concentrations stable in the blood.

Leucine may be an improved and less expensive source of muscle protein synthesis than HMB. If you wish to use HMB to prevent muscle damage from exercise, take the acid in its free form 30-60 minutes before exercising out and the calcium salt form 60-120 minutes before. For best outcomes, particularly before a hard workout or competition, take HMB three times a day for at least 2 weeks before the event. 

Conclusion

HMB is a useful supplement for preventing muscle loss, especially in older adults and those facing muscle-wasting conditions. It helps maintain muscle mass and strength but may not benefit athletes or improve muscle performance. For most people, taking up to 3 grams of HMB daily is safe and does not harm liver function. Yet, more research is needed to understand its effects on liver health, especially in those with liver problems. If you use HMB, follow recommended doses and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it fits your needs. Looking for high-quality steroids in the UK? Check out our premium selection to enhance your fitness and performance goals. Visit us now to explore our range!