HMB and Exercise-induced Muscle Damage

This study investigates whether taking HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate), a supplement derived from the amino acid leucine, can reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. When you do intense strength training, your muscles experience microscopic tears, leading to soreness and temporary strength loss. HMB is thought to speed up recovery and reduce this damage. The study is aimed at trained male athletes aged 18 to 35 who regularly do strength training involving the legs. Participants need to already be consuming enough protein in their diet and be able to lift at least 2.5 times their body weight in a leg press. They will follow a structured exercise and supplementation protocol and be assessed for markers of muscle damage. You may be eligible if: - You are a male aged 18 to 35 - You have at least 1 year of strength training experience that includes lower body workouts - You train at least 3 times per week - Your protein intake is above 1.6g per kg of body weight per day - You can leg press at least 2.5 times your body weight You may NOT be eligible if: - You currently have an injury - You smoke or use tobacco - You have taken creatine, caffeine, beta-alanine, or other ergogenic supplements in the past 3 months - You have used anabolic steroids or performance-affecting drugs - You have had an infectious disease in the past 4 weeks Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.