Effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation on strength and body composition in trained and competitive athletes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Javier Sanchez-Martinez, Alejandro Santos-Lozano, Antonio Garcia-Hermoso, Kabir P. Sadarangani, Carlos Cristi-Montero*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the evidence for the effectiveness of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation interventions on modification in strength and body composition in trained and competitive athletes. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search was performed using three databases: MEDLINE, EBSCO and Web of Science. The analysis was restricted to randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of HMB supplementation interventions on modification in bench and leg press strength, body mass, fat-free mass and fat mass. Effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed effect meta-analysis due to low value of the heterogeneity. The Egger test was used to determine the presence of publication bias, and the Q and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity among studies. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Six studies were selected for meta-analysis, as they fulfilled the inclusion criteria (n = 193 participants). HMB supplementation interventions present a trivial non-significant ES in all variables studied (bench press ES = 0.00, leg press ES = 0.09, body mass ES = −0.01, fat-free mass ES = 0.16, and fat mass ES = −0.20; all cases p > 0.05, and null heterogeneity I2 = 0.0% p > 0.05). These results remained constant even analyzing by subgroups (HMB doses, duration of intervention, training level and diet co-intervention). Conclusions: This meta-analysis found no effect of HMB supplementation on strength and body composition in trained and competitive athletes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)727-735
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Volume21
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Sports Medicine Australia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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