A Review of the Effects of Leucine Metabolite (β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate) Supplementation and Resistance Training on Inflammatory Markers: A New Approach to Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a bioactive metabolite formed from the breakdown of the branched-chain amino acid, leucine. Given the popularity of HMB supplements among different athletes, specifically, those who participate in regular resistance training, this review was performed to summarize current literature on some aspects of HMB supplementation that have received less attention. Because of the small number of published studies, it has not been possible to conclude the exact effects of HMB on cardiovascular parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. Thus, the interpretation of outcomes should be taken cautiously. However, the data presented here suggest that acute HMB supplementation may attenuate the pro-inflammatory response following an intense bout of resistance exercise in athletes. Also, the available findings collectively indicate that chronic HMB consumption with resistance training does not improve cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress markers greater than resistance training alone. Taken together, there is clearly a need for further well-designed, long-term studies to support these findings and determine whether HMB supplementation affects the adaptations induced by resistance training associated with the body’s inflammatory condition, antioxidative defense system, and cardiovascular risk factors in humans.

Thirteen weeks of supplementation of vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement attenuates chronic low-grade inflammation in sarcopenic older adults: the PROVIDE study

“…Amino acids such as leucine have strong anabolic effects and stimulate intramuscular protein synthesis via upregulation of the mTOR pathway, which also reduces protein breakdown and can induce anti-inflammatory effects [8, 43]. Also β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate, a metabolite of leucine, has anti-inflammatory effects in older persons [44].…”

Leucine Supplementation: A Novel Strategy for Modulating Lipid Metabolism and Energy Homeostasis

“…Dietary Leu reduces hyperglycemia [41] and high cholesterol caused by HFD, decreases body fat and the rate of fat production, and increases insulin sensitivity [17]. In athletes, HMB supplementation for four weeks of resistance training significantly decreased cardiovascular risk factors, as low-density lipoprotein or total cholesterol and triglyceride [42]. Moreover, Nissen et al also summarized that dietary HMB in humans results in a decrease in triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, thus affecting cardiovascular functions [43].…”

The Effects of β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) on Chemotaxis, Phagocytosis, and Oxidative Burst of Peripheral Blood Granulocytes and Monocytes in Goats

“…In humans, HMB supplements promote muscle regeneration after physical training and contribute to muscle growth, because HMB not only stimulates the synthesis of proteins, but also prevents their degradation [14][15][16]. In animals, feed supplementation with HMB has been shown to increase weight gains and improve performance.…”