Abstract

MANJARREZ-MONTES-DE-OCA, Rafael; TORRES-VACA, Mateo; GONZALEZ-GALLEGO, Javier  and  ALVEAR-ORDENES, Ildefonso. ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate as a dietary supplement (I): metabolism and toxicity. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2015, vol.31, n.2, pp.590-596. ISSN 1699-5198.  https://dx.doi.org/10.3305/nh.2015.31.2.8432.

Introduction: ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a leucine metabolite produced from α-ketoisocaproic acid. HMB supplementation has been used as a dietary supplement in sports since 1997, with the aim of decreasing muscle proteolysis. In recent years, positive effects have been reported in different pathologies, which suggests potential health benefits. Aims: The objectives of this review are: to know both HMB metabolism and toxicity, and to identify HMB cellular and molecular mechanisms of action when used as a dietary supplement. Methods: A search was performed in the Web of Science, Pubmed and SportDiscus data bases. Results were divided into two parts; this article presents the results about both HMB metabolism and possible toxicity. Results: Studies show that HMB is related to cholesterol metabolism in skeletal muscle, which could reduce proteolysis, through hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-coenzy-me A and mevalonate as a precursor in the synthesis of cholesterol. However, HMB could also be transformed from acetoacetate to beta-hydroxybutyrate by beta-hy-drozybutyrate dehydrogenase. The calcium salt of HMB is the most used chemical form in dietary supplements, being the most common dose 3 g of HMB/day. Studies in humans and animals provide evidence that there are no adverse effects associated with HMB supplementation. Conclusion: Metabolic effects and lack of toxicity of HMB make it an adequate compound to be used as a dietary supplement.

Keywords : Metabolism; Toxicity; Leucine; Cholesterol; Ketone Bodies.

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