In this section:

Substances: HMB (Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate)

HMB is the chemical breakdown product in the body of the amino acid leucine and is normally manufactured in the liver. A small body of research proposes that HMB supplementation may reduce the degree of muscle protein breakdown and damage that results from intense training.

Athletes may use this substance in conjunction with training in an attempt to improve muscle mass and strength and lower body fat. Long term trials to prove the efficacy of use by humans have not been conducted.

Side effects

There have been no long-term studies of side effects.

Status in Sport

HMB in its pure form is permitted under the World Anti-Doping Code 2007 Prohibited List (effective from 01/01/07).

However HMB is often contained in supplement products. ASADA cannot determine the status of supplement products in sport. 

Due to their multi-ingredient nature, supplements are considered to present more risk to athletes than registered pharmaceutical products - therefore ASADA is unable to accurately determine the status of any supplement product.

There is a risk that supplements may contain impurities, such as ingredients that are not listed on the label, which could cause a positive test. 

A 2001 International Olympic Committee study reported nearly 15 percent of supplement products tested (all non-Australian products) contained substances not labelled that would result in a positive test.

Use of supplement products is at an athlete's own risk.

 

Login:

Athletes’ Zone: