Body Composition in 70-Year-Old Adults Responds to Dietary β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate Similarly to That of Young Adults

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2001

Abstract

Studies in young adults have demonstrated that β-hydroxy-β-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 × 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.

Publication Title

The Journal of Nutrition

Volume

131

First Page

2049

Publisher

The American Society for Nutritional Sciences

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