HMB, or β-Hydroxy β-Methyl butyrate, is generally used to build, maintain and repair muscle tissue and cells. HMB supplement is highly important to ensure the health of our muscles because its anti-catabolic effect protects the muscles from breaking down. When this happens, you put on muscle mass and you get stronger.
Why HMB? Even though it benefits a wide range of people, it is particularly significant for athletes and weightlifters to build muscle and improve recovery from exercise. HMB is a product of leucine, an amino acid, and so it can be found in some foods (grapefruit, catfish, alfalfa). However, since only a small percentage of leucine is converted and used as HMB, the amount you would have to eat would be quite large. That’s why a good HMB supplement will prove to be a great addition to your diet for biohacking.
Here’s a list of HMB supplements that you can choose from to suit your specific needs-
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Each of the HMB supplements that we are recommending for you has several benefits that you will learn below. That’s why, we are providing you with proper descriptions of all the good HMB supplements instead of simply giving you a top 10 list. So, keep on reading to find out the perfect supplement for you based on your needs and lifestyle and also avoid any probable side-effects.
1. Optimum Nutrition 1000 Caps
Why we picked it: High quality, highly rated by users, and manufactured by a leading company
If you are looking forward to building your strength and stamina, this is your go-to HMB supplement. A high percentage of HMB in each capsule will provide you with maximum recovery after working out. It is very pure in quality and comes with 1000 mg HMB per capsule. The capsules are gelatin-made and will be suitable for you unless you are on a strict vegetarian diet.
Highlights:
- Bestselling HMB supplement
- 1 gram HMB per capsule
- 90 capsules per bottle
- Made with patented ingredients- high-quality calcium beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate monohydrate
- Contains Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose and Magnesium Stearate
- Certified Manufacturing Practices
Who Makes It:
Optimum Nutrition is like a household name for weightlifting and bodybuilding enthusiasts. Even though Optimum Nutrition is more renowned for its protein and amino acid supplements, their HMB supplements are best sellers as well.
Pros:
- High amount of HMB
- Patented ingredients
- Helps support muscle protein synthesis
- Single Capsule Serving Size
- High-quality manufacturing process
Cons:
- Not for vegetarians
2. Double Wood HMB Supplements
Why we picked it: These HMB pills are pure in quality, from a trusted brand with great product evaluation.
If you are not into athletic activities and looking for a light HMB supplement, then this one is for you. However, athletes looking for optimal doses might be disappointed because it has a lower than average dosage for a supplement (500 mg per capsule).
Highlights:
- 500mg HMB per capsule
- 120 capsules in total
- Manufactured with quality ingredients in the USA
- Soy Free and Gluten-Free
- Non GMO
- Contains Gelatin, rice flour, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide
Who Makes It?
Double Wood Supplements is based in Philadelphia. They produce all products in the US and then evaluates the products further using third-party testing. As a result, quality and purity is ensured while manufacturing and processing in their GMP certified facility.
Pros:
- Best for average users
- Soy-free and major allergens avoided
- Gluten-free
- Third-party tested and non-GMO
- Made in the USA in a GMP certified facility
- Tested for purity ensuring high-quality
Cons:
- Contains gelatin and not- vegan
- Lower in dosage
3. VitaMonk HMB
Why we picked it: These are some of the best HMB pills and a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
Vitamonk HMB has a unique feature – it has a cellulose capsule. Coupled with this, the pure supplement design makes it highly suitable for vegans. Sure, you may find better options at lower prices, but most of them come with gelatin-made capsules.
Highlights:
- 500mg HMB per capsule
- 180 capsules per bottle
- Large bottle to last longer
- Good Manufacturing Practices certified
- No artificial fillers used
Who Makes It?
VitaMonk is a supplement company that develops products to strengthen both the body and mind. With great quality supplements, VitaMonk aims to help its consumers exceed their mental and physical limits. VitaMonk’s products have built a great reputation for being research-backed and scientific.
Pros:
- Created with high quality ingredients
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly
- Free of any artificial fillers or additives
- Highest safety standards ensured
- No magnesium stearate or silicone dioxide
Cons:
- Each capsule only contains 500mg so each bottle will last for a shorter time-period.
4. MET-Rx HMB 1000
Why we picked it: Manufactured by a reputed company and provides a high dosage of HMB.
MET-Rx HMB 1000 is a specialty supplement for athletes and bodybuilders that may help support strength levels and muscles when used in combination with weight training. It is an incredibly popular and strong HMB supplement that delivers 1000 mg of HMB per serving in a gelatin capsule. It has a simple, no-frills formula and the design is fairly clean. Furthermore, it is made by a company well known in the athletic community for its great reputation.
Highlights:
- Each capsule serving consists of 1000mg HMB
- 90 capsules per bottle
- Great reviews depicting improved muscle and strength support
- Contains gelatin in the capsule
- Specifically designed high dosage for athletes
Who Makes It?
MET-Rx is a supplement company with a focus on creating products for the athletic community. They have more than 20 years of industry experience and many highly successful products.
Their proprietary protein blends support exercise recovery while providing important amino acids to fuel your muscles and their innovative sports nutrition product line takes care of pre-intra-post workouts.
Pros:
- A great, simple product with a strong HMB dosage
- It’s specifically designed for athletes.
- High-quality formula and design
- The reputed manufacturing company ensures standard maintenance
Cons:
- The capsule contains gelatin and silica which are not ideal for vegetarians and vegans
5. BulkSupplements HMB Powder
Why we picked it: Pure HMB powder, no additives, simple packaging.
When it comes to powdered supplements, Bulk Supplements is the most renowned producer. If you are not a big fan of capsules or tablets and want to mix your supplement with milk or other healthy drinks, the Bulk Supplements Pure HMB Powder is your pick.
Highlights:
- Powdered supplement
- 100g per pack
- Pure HMB
- Customized dosages
- Bulk- packaging and Factory-sealed foil zip pouch
- Lab-tested
Who Makes It?
BulkSupplements produces affordable supplements in simple packages. Most of their supplements are made from pure ingredients. Their headquarters is in Nevada.
Pros:
- Best powdered supplement
- Easy to consume
- Pure HMB with no additives and no capsule
- Customizable dose in powder form
- Lab-tested
- Cost effective
Cons:
- The plastic bag causes inconvenience when you try to reseal it after every use.
6. SELFe Self Evolution HMB 1000
Why we picked it: vegan and vegetarian friendly, high dosage, and includes leucine
SELFe uses a bit of a twist on the traditional HMB supplement formula. SELFe includes leucine, the amino acid that HMB is metabolized from. This combination could help further improve muscular gains from HMB. It helps boost energy levels, decrease recovery time, charge up workouts, and inhibit muscle breakdown while also contributing to muscle growth.
Highlights:
- 1000 mg per capsule
- 120 caps per bottle (most servings per bottle of HMB pills)
- The capsule shells are made of cellulose
- Includes leucine for better muscular gain
- Backed up by a money-back guarantee
Who Makes It:
SELFe Self Evolution is a privately held company in Indianapolis. They are a comparatively smaller company that makes CBD, vitamins and sports supplements. Their premium CBD products are made from organic industrial hemp. The company is highly customer friendly and offers a money-back guarantee for their supplements.
Pros:
- it’s got a high dosage of 1000 mg per capsule
- Uses a vegetarian capsule made out of cellulose
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly
- Money-back guarantee
- Combination of HMB with leucine will improve muscle gain
Cons:
- Does not have enough reviews to be called a great supplement
7. Now Sports Double Strength HMB
Why we picked it: Made by a reputed company and avoids all major allergens
Now Sports HMB comes with a moderate dosage at 500mg. All major allergens are avoided and no additives are added. On top of that, it is completely vegan and vegetarian-friendly. It’s not easy to find good vegan supplements, and Now Sports Double Strength is one of those unique ones.
Highlights:
- 500mg HMB per capsule
- 90 capsules per bottle
- Certified manufacturing
- Non-GMO
- Soy-free, Gluten-free and Dairy-free
- Vegan/Vegetarian and kosher
Who Makes It?
NOW Foods is the parent organization of NOW Sports, the subsidiary that produces supplements. NOW Sports makes natural, unadulterated sports nutrition supplements that legitimately enhance performance. Their products are certified by Informed-Sport, the world’s leading anti-doping organization and so their products are believed to be pure, safe and effective for every level of athletics.
Pros:
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly
- All major allergens avoided such as gluten, soy, dairy
- Certified manufacturing
- Steroid- free and specifically designed for athletes
Cons:
- Low dosage
8. Core Nutritionals HMB
Why we picked it: Good quality powder supplement made by a reputed company.
This is a powdered HMB supplement that can be mixed into shakes or put into empty capsules. Even though it might be a bit less convenient than premade capsules for some people, the high dosage is great for people who prefer making pre-workout shakes.
Highlights:
- 1000mg per serving (scoop included)
- 90 grams per package
- Can be made into a pre-workout shake
- Manufactured by a well-known company
- Bulk packaging
- Made in cGMP facility with no additional fillers
Who Makes It?
Core Nutritionals is an athletic supplement manufacturer that has been in business since 2005. All Core Nutritional products are manufactured in the U.S. and in cGMP facilities. The company said provides its customers with a proper description of ingredients and promises high quality products without any fillers.
Pros:
- Quality tested
- No additives included
- Can be made into a shake for convenience
- Money back guarantee
Cons:
- Unless you want to buy in bulk, capsules are more convenient
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9. Infinite Labs HMB Supplement
Why we picked it: Well-reviewed, simple, and effective formula.
This is one of the simplest products on our list, coming in 500mg HMB per capsule. It helps protect & preserve muscle while aiding in the growth of new muscle tissue. Other than that, it doesn’t have any fat, sugar, and carbohydrates.
Highlights:
- 500mg HMB per capsule
- 90 capsules per bottle
- 0% fat
- No carbohydrate and sugar
- Increases Lean Muscle Naturally
Who Makes It?
Infinite Labs have been operating in the health and wellness industry for well over a decade now. Even though they mainly produce supplements for athletes, anyone can get benefitted from their products.
Pros:
- Easy to swallow
- Non-stimulant
- No hormonal effect
- Does not contain fat, carbohydrates, or additives
Cons:
- Low dosage
10. MRM HMB 1000 Capsules
Why we picked it: Powerful, cGMP facility manufactured.
MRM HMB 1000 capsule supplements are high dosage, with 1000mg HMB per capsule. This supplement makes you stronger, especially while working out. It helps to recover muscle both during and after workout sessions. It is a great pick for endurance training.
Highlights:
- 1000mg per serving
- 60 capsules per bottle
- Certified manufacturing
- Specifically designed for athletes and weightlifters
- Easy to swallow
- Contains Vitamin D and leucine
Who Makes It?
MRM (Metabolic Response Modifiers) primarily targets athletes and weightlifters. Founded in 1996, this company has continuously worked to offer scientifically sound products and make sure they can be purchased at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Created in cGMP facility ensuring purity and effectiveness
- High dosage of HMB
- Includes Vitamin D
- Great option for athletes and weightlifters
- Comes with nutrients that enhance power and performance
- Affordable
Cons:
- You may need to take it with other proven supplements
Some of the Major Benefits of HMB
As a supplement, the beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyric acid has long been known to support the synthesis of new muscle. Because of this, it also supports increased muscle size, strength, and in turn reduces body fat. Not many supplements can boast such claims. Potential benefits of HMB includes-
Strength and Exercise Performance:
HMB is commonly sold as a dietary supplement that is purported to help build muscle mass, improve exercise performance, and improve recovery from exercise. Regular intake of HMB supplements can result in-
- Improves immune status
- Increases in strength
- Enhance power output during workouts
- Increases in anaerobic and aerobic performance
Muscle Breakdown and Loss:
HMB helps prevent muscle loss caused by various conditions. Several studies and clinical trials indicated that HMB supplements-
- stimulates muscle protein synthesis and growth.
- Increases muscle mass and lean body mass
- Reduces muscle damage
- Enhances recovery for both trained and untrained people.
- Increases muscle building
Other benefits:
- Though not definitely proven, there is also evidence that HMB may help in cachexia, which is muscle and weight loss caused by certain illnesses (like cancer and AIDS)
- A systematic review of 9 studies found that HMB supplements may lower total cholesterol, LDL, and blood pressure.
How to take HMB supplements
The ideal dosage of HMB is 1000mg per serving. Depending on the amount of HMB in a capsule, you should determine your serving size. You can take up to 3 servings a day, while 2 servings is the recommended option. You may also want to try bulk HMB powders if you don’t like pills.
Read the directions in the packaging and follow them if you are taking pills. If you prefer bulk powders, you may mix the supplement with water, pre-workout drinks, juices, and so on. For best results, take the supplement before your workout session.
Who can take HMB supplements
HMB supplements are safe for long term use in young all the way through older populations. It works equally well for both men and women. Due to its potent anti-catabolic effects, it is ideal for athletes, weightlifters in particular.
Assumptions are, it may not have as much effect on untrained individuals in the same dosage as athletes or trained individuals. But, no matter their physique, anyone can take HMB supplement because it works in various ways to help prevent muscle loss, muscle breakdown and increase strength.
However, without proper recommendation from a licensed nutritionist or physician, it should not be used by children, pregnant women or individuals suffering from fatal illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions About HMB Supplements
Q. What is HMB?
Answer: HMB is short for β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate. It is an active metabolite of leucine, one of the branched-chain amino acids. When leucine is consumed through the diet, approximately 5% of it is oxidized into HMB naturally.HMB can be obtained from the diet, as its parent amino acid leucine is found in many proteins. However, due to the low percentage of leucine that gets converted into HMB, it can be difficult to get significant amounts of the metabolite from the diet alone. Thus, many people use HMB supplements to increase their intake.
HMB has uses primarily in the athletic community. It’s mostly used as an anti-catabolic, to prevent muscle breakdown. Athletes and bodybuilders will often use it during calorie restriction periods, illness, etc. For the purpose of preventing muscle loss, HMB is quite effective. Furthermore, it stimulates muscle protein synthesis and growth.
Q. Are There Any Side Effects of HMB?
Answer: HMB typically does not cause side effects. Even doses of up to 3g for up to 8 weeks appear to be safe with minimal negative effects. There have not been any studies looking at the long-term effects of this supplement, so caution is advised when using it for long periods of time.
Q. Does HMB Supplement Work?
Answer: Yes, if you want to enhance your strength and gain muscle mass, HMB supplements can help you. HMB works best for athletes who are at the beginning of their strength training programs.
Q. Does HMB Increase Testosterone?
Answer: No, it’s a myth that HMB can increase testosterone levels.
Final Thoughts
HMB’s benefits have encouraged thousands of athletes all over the globe to take HMB supplements on a daily basis. For muscle growth, very few other supplements are as good as HMB.
However, it is important that you take the right supplement from the right brand, and our best HMB supplement list was compiled to help you with just that. Do you think we missed a great HMB supplement? Feel free to comment.
