The acute effects of a free acid beta-hydoxy-beta-methyl butyrate supplement on muscle damage following resistance training: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background Beta-hydoxy-beta-methyl butyrate (HMB) when given over a two-week period of time (loading phase) has been demonstrated to decrease skeletal muscle damage, and improve recovery. However, few studies have investigated its acute effects on muscle damage and recovery. Therefore the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of short term free acid HMB (HMB-FA) supplementation on serum indices of muscle damage and perceived recovery following a high volume, muscle damaging training session. Methods