Effect of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate Supplementation During Energy Restriction in Female Judo Athletes

Supplementation of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been suggested to help increase muscle mass or reduce body fat in resistance-trained subjects and patients in catabolic states. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the effect of oral supplementation of 3 g·day−1 HMB for 3 days on body composition and exercise performance in well-trained female judo athletes during energy restriction. Eight female judo athletes were matched for body weight and divided into HMB and control groups. All subjects consumed food containing 20kcal·kg−1 with carbohydrate 3.6g·kg−1, protein 1.33g·kg−1, and fat 0.03g·kg−1 each day. Body weight and body fat percentage were significantly decreased in the HMB group, but remained unchanged in the control group after the study period. Muscle mass and the anaerobic performance of the lower and upper body were unchanged in both groups. The HMB group showed significant increases in total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid after the study period. The control group did not show any significant changes in all blood parameters. This study suggested that short-term supplementation of HMB during energy restriction may help to reduce body fat but has no effect on lean body mass or exercise performance in female athletes.