HME Amino Acid Supplementation for Strength, Performance, and Recovery in Trained Adult Males
A Pilot Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of HME (Human Muscle Equivalent) Supplementation on Strength, Body Composition, Athletic Performance, and Recovery in Trained Adults
Orivian inc
50 participants
Jun 29, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates HME (Human Muscle Equivalent), a free-form amino acid supplement formulated to match the amino acid composition of human skeletal muscle, taken at its Health Canada licensed dose (3 g powder plus one 50 mg slow-release beta-alanine capsule daily). Trained adult males (competitive athletes or certified fitness professionals) are randomized to HME or an identical-appearing placebo for 10 weeks: a 2-week supplement-only lead-in followed by 8 weeks of supplement plus supervised resistance training. The primary aim is to estimate the effect of HME on composite maximal strength (1-repetition maximum leg press plus chest press) compared with placebo. Secondary measures include isometric knee-extension strength, countermovement jump height, and subjective recovery.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria9
- Age 18 to 45 years inclusive
- Biological male
- Active competitive athlete in a recognized sport OR certified fitness professional (personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, or equivalent)
- Minimum 3 structured resistance-training sessions per week for at least 1 year continuously
- Habitual protein intake 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg/day confirmed by 7-day food diary at screening
- Current creatine users willing to use study-provided creatine monohydrate 5 g/day; non-users willing not to initiate creatine during the trial
- Able to provide written informed consent in English
- Willing and able to attend all supervised training sessions and assessment visits for 10 weeks
- Access to a digital kitchen scale or willing to obtain one for food-record completion
Exclusion Criteria7
- Use of anabolic steroids, SARMs, prohormones, or beta-alanine supplements (other than the study product) within 8 weeks of screening
- Current use of any amino acid supplement or weight-gainer product not cleared by the research coordinator
- Currently in an active competitive season with non-negotiable training demands the investigator determines are incompatible with the supervised programme
- Musculoskeletal injury in the preceding 3 months affecting ability to perform study assessments or training
- Any medical condition, medication, or dietary restriction that in the Medical Officer's opinion would affect the safety or validity of participation
- Participation in another intervention study within 4 weeks of screening
- Unwillingness to standardize creatine intake per protocol (current users) or to abstain from initiating creatine (non-users)
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
HME (Human Muscle Equivalent) is a two-component amino acid formulation taken together as a single daily serving: a 3 g free-form amino acid powder matched to the human skeletal muscle amino acid profile, plus a slow-release capsule containing 50 mg beta-alanine. Both components together constitute HME. Health Canada NPN 80148183 (powder) and 80148185 (capsule).
Maltodextrin powder and capsule matched for appearance, volume, and taste.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07715201