Body composition in 70-year-old adults responds to dietary beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate similarly to that of young adults.
Studies in young adults have demonstrated that beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) can increase gains in strength and fat-free mass during a progressive resistance-training program. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HMB would similarly benefit 70-y-old adults undergoing a 5 d/wk exercise program. Thirty-one men (n = 15) and women (n = 16) (70 +/- 1 y) were randomly assigned in a double-blind study to receive either capsules containing a placebo or Ca-HMB (3 g/d) for the 8-wk study. Skin fold estimations of body composition as well as computerized tomography (CT) and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were measured before the study and immediately after the 8-wk training program. HMB supplementation tended to increase fat-free mass gain (HMB, 0.8 +/- 0.4 kg; placebo, -0.2 +/- 0.3 kg; treatment x time, P = 0.08). Furthermore, HMB supplementation increased the percentage of body fat loss (skin fold: HMB, -0.66 +/- 0.23%; placebo, -0.03 +/- 0.21%; P = 0.05) compared with the placebo group. CT scans also indicated a greater decrease in the percentage of body fat with HMB supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, changes in body composition can be accomplished in 70-y-old adults participating in a strength training program, as previously demonstrated in young adults, when HMB is supplemented daily.
Vukovich
M D
MD
South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA. matthew_vukovich@sdstate.edu
Stubbs
N B
NB
Bohlken
R M
RM
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects*; D010919:Placebos; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014631:Valerates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014891:Weight Lifting
D010919:Placebos; D014631:Valerates; C004961:beta-hydroxyisovaleric acid