β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplementation in older persons - an update
Danielle E Bear1,2, Alfonso J Cruz-Jentoft3, Jeffrey R Stout4
1Departments of Nutrition and Dietetics and Critical Care, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) shows potential for sarcopenia, but recent studies in older adults, both hospitalized and community-dwelling, have methodological limitations. High-quality research is needed to confirm HMB
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Nutritional Science
- Muscle Physiology and Aging
Background:
- Sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss, is a growing concern in older populations.
- Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) is being investigated for its potential to combat sarcopenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent evidence on HMB's mechanisms of action.
- To assess HMB's impact on lean mass and strength in older adults (hospitalized and community-dwelling).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on HMB and sarcopenia.
- Analysis of studies focusing on HMB's effects in hospitalized and community-dwelling older individuals.
Main Results:
- Limited new studies on HMB in hospitalized older adults; one posthoc analysis examined a high-protein supplement with HMB.
- Three studies on community-dwelling older adults had suboptimal methodological quality, limiting definitive conclusions.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence on HMB for sarcopenia in older adults is hampered by study quality.
- High-quality research is essential to determine HMB's effectiveness in improving sarcopenia-related outcomes in both hospitalized and community-dwelling older persons.
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