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2.5/5 Weak evidence

Body composition evidence brief

HMB

May help in some older, clinical, or high-stress contexts, but reliable extra strength or lean-mass gains are not shown in young healthy lifters.

Mixed and population-specific hypertrophy / strength / recovery 8 linked sources Content audit 2026-05-04

Headline Finding

Young-adult meta-analysis is not compelling; stronger signals appear in older, clinical, or high-stress contexts.

Dose Context

Common protocols use about 3 g/day, but the practical case depends heavily on age, training status, diet, and study context.

Important Caveat

This is not a creatine-like default; evidence in young resistance-trained users is too inconsistent for broad use.

Source Drawer

Linked Research

8 papers and evidence links - audit 2026-05-04
  1. Position stand ISSN HMB position stand
  2. Meta-analysis Young adults meta-analysis
  3. Meta-analysis Clinical/ageing umbrella review
  4. Meta-analysis Endurance performance meta-analysis
  5. Meta-analysis Older adults meta-analysis
  6. Systematic review Older adults systematic review
  7. Systematic review Randomized trials systematic review
  8. Review Exercise/body composition review

How To Read This Rating

The score reflects evidence that the supplement does its stated job. Some jobs are direct, such as strength, endurance, or recovery; others are indirect, such as sleep, mood, appetite, or health support. A real effect can still receive a cautious practical rating when dose, safety, product quality, or audience fit remain uncertain.

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