Clear Muscle Liquid HMB by Muscletech is formulated to support muscle retention and recovery through its primary active ingredient, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). HMB is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine and functions by modulating muscle protein turnover—reducing protein breakdown and modestly enhancing synthesis. This mechanism is particularly beneficial in states of elevated catabolism, such as aging, sarcopenia, or critical illness.
The product contains 750 mg of HMB per serving in liquid form, which may offer improved absorption compared to solid formulations. However, the dose falls significantly short of the 3 g/day dose consistently used in clinical trials demonstrating benefits in muscle mass and strength [1][2][3]. As such, while the formulation choice may enhance bioavailability, the per-serving dose limits its effectiveness without multiple daily servings.
Quick Summary
Full transparency: all ingredient amounts are disclosed with no proprietary blends.
Efficacy is limited by the low per-serving dose of HMB (750 mg), which is only 25% of the 3 g/day dose used in clinical trials. While the liquid form may improve absorption, multiple daily servings are required for therapeutic effect, reducing practicality and adherence.
Liquid formulation likely enhances absorption, particularly if HMB free acid is used, which has faster uptake than calcium HMB. This partially compensates for the sub-therapeutic dose.
HMB is well-tolerated at clinical doses with minimal side effects. Caution advised in renal impairment and with immunosuppressants. Long-term safety data beyond 12 weeks are limited.
Suggested: 4 servings/day to reach clinical midpoint
Why Take This Product
Key Benefits
- Reduces Age-Related Muscle Loss: HMB supplementation has been shown to help preserve fat-free mass in older adults, particularly those over 65, by reducing muscle protein breakdown [2].
- Improves Muscle Mass in Sarcopenia: In patients with diagnosed sarcopenia, 3 g/day of HMB significantly improved muscle mass, strength, and physical performance [1].
- Supports Muscle Recovery in Clinical Settings: Short-term HMB use (3 g/day) in critically ill patients, such as those with COPD in ICU, reduced inflammation and improved protein metabolism [3].
- May Aid in Muscle Preservation During Detraining: While not directly studied in this product, HMB has shown potential in mitigating muscle loss during periods of inactivity or reduced training volume, especially in older populations.
- Liquid Form May Enhance Absorption: The free acid form of HMB, potentially used in liquid formulations, is associated with faster absorption and higher bioavailability compared to calcium-bound HMB (CaHMB).
Who Should Take This
Potential Side Effects
Ingredient Breakdown
The formulation centers on HMB as the primary active compound, with no other ingredients listed in the input. As a supplement, the dosing should be evaluated against clinical evidence and combined with dietary intake considerations. Supporting ingredients, if present, are not disclosed and thus cannot be assessed.
Primary Ingredients
Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate
Reduces muscle protein breakdown, supports muscle protein synthesis
Dose is 750 mg per serving, 25% of the 3 g/day clinical dose. Multiple servings required to achieve therapeutic levels. Liquid form may enhance bioavailability, especially if free acid form is used.
HMB is a metabolite of leucine that helps maintain muscle mass by reducing catabolism and supporting anabolic signaling. It is most effective in populations with elevated muscle turnover, such as older adults and critically ill patients.
Practical Recommendations
- Increase Serving Frequency: To reach the clinically effective dose of 3 g/day, users would need to consume four servings daily. Consider whether this is practical given cost and volume intake.
- Target Appropriate Populations: Focus use on older adults or those with muscle-wasting conditions rather than healthy, trained individuals, where evidence of benefit is lacking.
- Verify HMB Form: If the product uses HMB free acid (vs. CaHMB), it may offer superior absorption, partially offsetting the lower dose. Check label or manufacturer data for confirmation.
Is it Safe?
HMB has a favorable short-term safety profile, but interactions with immunosuppressive drugs and protein metabolism pathways warrant caution in certain populations. Renal function should be monitored in long-term use, especially at higher doses.
Safety & Considerations
- Renal Impairment: Use with caution in individuals with impaired kidney function; HMB is metabolized and excreted renally.
- Drug Interaction: Potential interaction with immunosuppressants or drugs affecting protein metabolism; consult healthcare provider if on such medications.
The Science
Efficacy is primarily determined by whether the primary ingredient—HMB—is present at a clinically effective dose. At 750 mg per serving, the product delivers only 25% of the 3 g/day dose used in most positive trials, significantly limiting its standalone effectiveness without multiple daily servings.
HMB improves muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in patients with sarcopenia.
HMB supplementation helps reduce muscle loss in older adults aged 65+.
7-day HMB supplementation (3 g/day) reduced inflammation and improved protein metabolism in COPD patients in ICU.
3 g/day HMB for 6 weeks did not affect strength or body composition in trained men.
3 g/day HMB for 4 weeks showed no significant changes in strength or body composition in collegiate football players.
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