HMB supplementation raised testosterone, with other hormone changes uncertain
Controlled trials in adults found higher testosterone with HMB supplementation. Cortisol and the other measured hormones showed no statistically clear changes; effects on strength or muscle mass were not established.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In adults enrolled in controlled trials, HMB supplementation increased testosterone levels in the pooled analysis. Changes in cortisol, insulin-like growth factor and growth hormone were statistically inconclusive. The review addressed hormone levels, so its findings do not establish gains in muscle mass or physical performance, and the abstract does not identify the comparison treatments.
The abstract omits supplementation duration, doses and comparator details. Evidence quality ranged from low to high, but it does not identify the quality rating for each hormone result.
The main result was a hormone measurement
The researchers examined whether HMB changed testosterone and other hormone levels. They pooled results on a standardized scale, which does not directly describe a change in ordinary hormone units or demonstrate a corresponding improvement in physical performance.
The other results remain uncertain
The estimates for cortisol, insulin-like growth factor and growth hormone were not statistically significant. Their uncertainty ranges included no difference. This leaves possible changes unresolved and should not be read as proof that HMB leaves these hormones unchanged.
The original publication
β-Hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB) supplementation elevates testosterone levels without significant changes to cortisol, IGF-1, or growth hormone in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials.
Bideshki MV, Sadeghi B, Behzadi M et al.
Front Nutr · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40612317
- Record checked
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