IMPACTS OF Β-HYDROXY-Β-METHYLBUTYRATE (HMB) SUPPLEMENTATION ON STRENGTH, MUSCLE RECOVERY, AND ENDURANCE IN ATHLETES COMPARED TO BEGINNERS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the available evidence and discuss existing gaps in knowledge regarding HMB supplementation in athletes compared to beginners in physical exercise. Twenty-two articles on HMB and nutrition were included. The search was conducted on the PubMed and SciELO platforms. The search strategy used a combination of the keywords HMB, supplementation, sports nutrition, athletes, in English and Portuguese. The selected articles were evaluated in relation to the study objective, criteria for sample type, design (clinical trial, observational, previous review, etc.), duration, instruments; main results and conclusion, especially whether the study supports, refutes, or problematizes the efficacy and what limitations and gaps can be pointed out. Scientific evidence suggests that the use of HMB, both in the form of calcium salt (HMB-Ca) and free acid (HMB-FA), can contribute to improving physical performance, strength, and muscle recovery, with the free acid form being associated with a higher absorption rate and bioavailability.