HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) has gained popularity as a powerful supplement for muscle growth, strength enhancement, and recovery. Whether you’re an athlete, bodybuilder, or someone looking to preserve lean muscle mass, HMB can help prevent muscle breakdown while supporting muscle protein synthesis.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the best HMB supplement? This guide covers everything you need to know, from benefits to selection criteria and expert recommendations.
Our Top Picks for HMB Supplements
- Best Overall: Double Wood Supplements HMB Capsules
- Best Budget Option: BulkSupplements.com HMB Powder
- Best for Strength & Muscle Retention: Nutricost HMB 1000mg Capsules
- Best for Muscle Growth & Performance: NatureBell HMB 1000mg Capsules
- Best for Value & Daily Use: Deal Supplement HMB 1000mg Capsules
- Best for High-Quality Formula: Optimum Nutrition HMB 1000mg Capsules
1. Best Overall: Double Wood Supplements HMB Capsules
Price: $19.94
Double Wood’s HMB Supplement is a high-quality muscle retention and recovery formula designed to support lean muscle mass, strength, and endurance. With 1,000mg of HMB per serving, it helps reduce muscle breakdown and enhance muscle protein synthesis, making it an ideal option for athletes, bodybuilders, and individuals in a calorie deficit.
Benefits
- Reduces Muscle Breakdown: Helps preserve lean muscle during weight loss or inactivity.
- Improves Strength & Power Output: Works best when combined with creatine for maximum results.
- Boosts Protein Synthesis: Supports muscle growth and faster recovery post-workout.
- Third-Party Tested & USA-Made: Manufactured and tested for purity and safety.
What It Contains
- HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate) – 1,000 mg per serving (2 capsules)
- Calcium (from Ca HMB) – 164 mg
- Other Ingredients: Gelatin (capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate, Silica.
Pros
✔ High-potency HMB (1,000 mg per serving)
✔ Third-party tested for purity
✔ Supports muscle retention & strength
✔ Easy-to-swallow capsules
✔ Manufactured in the USA
Cons
✖ Requires multiple servings daily to reach the optimal 3g dosage
✖ Capsules may be large for some users
Customer Feedback:
- Muscle Retention: Many users reported maintaining muscle mass while cutting calories, with noticeable strength retention.
- Effectiveness: Customers found the supplement helpful for post-workout recovery, reducing soreness and improving training performance.
- Value for Money: Users consider it a cost-effective supplement, providing quality results at a reasonable price.
- Ease of Use: Capsules are easy to take, but a few users found them slightly large to swallow.
- Stacking Potential: Works even better when paired with creatine, according to several customers.
Summary: Double Wood’s HMB supplement is a top-tier choice for muscle retention, recovery, and strength enhancement, making it perfect for those looking to preserve lean muscle mass while training or cutting weight.
2. Best Budget Option: BulkSupplements.com HMB Powder
Price: $19.97
BulkSupplements.com HMB Powder is a pure HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate) supplement designed to support muscle recovery, strength enhancement, and soreness reduction after intense workouts. Each serving delivers 1000mg of HMB, with a total of 250 servings per 250g bag. The product is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, additive-free, and sugar-free.
Benefits
- Enhances muscle recovery: Helps reduce muscle breakdown, particularly beneficial for high-intensity training.
- Supports muscle growth and strength: Aids in muscle retention and growth, even during caloric restriction.
- Pure and additive-free: Contains only HMB with no fillers or unnecessary ingredients.
- Versatile powder form: Can be easily mixed into protein shakes, juice, or oatmeal for convenient consumption.
What it Contains
- HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate): 1000mg per serving
- No additional ingredients (free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers)
Pros
✔ High purity with no additives or fillers
✔ Effective for muscle retention and post-workout recovery
✔ More cost-effective than capsule form
✔ Mixes well with protein shakes, juice, and oatmeal
Cons
✖ Unpleasant taste for some users (slightly bitter or acidic)
✖ Requires mixing, unlike convenient capsule forms
✖ Packaging could be improved (some complaints about the ziplock quality)
Customer Feedback:
- Quality: Most customers appreciate the pure and high-quality formula with no unnecessary ingredients. Many report improved muscle tone and reduced soreness.
- Value for money: Many users find this more cost-effective compared to HMB capsules.
- Muscle retention: Customers mention noticeable improvements in maintaining muscle mass, even while dieting or engaging in intense training.
- Mixability: The powder dissolves well in protein shakes or juice but may not mix easily in plain water.
- Taste: Some users report no noticeable taste, while others find it slightly unpleasant when mixed with water alone.
Summary: BulkSupplements.com HMB Powder is a great option for those seeking a pure and affordable HMB supplement. It offers excellent value for money, especially for long-term use. However, since it comes in powder form, it may not be as convenient as capsules, and the taste may not suit everyone. If you’re comfortable mixing it into protein shakes or juice, it’s a solid choice for muscle support and recovery.
3. Best for Strength & Muscle Retention: Nutricost HMB 1000mg Capsules
Price: $17.50
Nutricost’s HMB supplement provides 1,000 mg of calcium β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) per serving, formulated to support muscle retention, recovery, and strength. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, and manufactured in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility for quality assurance.
Benefits
- Muscle Growth & Preservation – Helps maintain muscle mass, especially during cutting phases.
- Enhanced Recovery – Reduces muscle breakdown and supports post-workout recovery.
- Easy-to-Take Capsules – Designed for daily use with 500 mg per capsule.
- Clean Formula – Non-GMO, gluten-free, and manufactured in a certified facility.
What it Contains
- Calcium β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate Monohydrate (HMB) – 1,000 mg per serving
- Other ingredients: Gelatin capsule, rice flour.
Pros
✔ Well-dosed formula with 1000 mg per serving
✔ Non-GMO, gluten-free, and made in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility
✔ Capsules are smaller and easy to swallow
✔ Good value for money
Cons
✖ Some users reported mild stomach discomfort (bloating, cramps)
✖ Mild aftertaste for some users
Customer Feedback
- Effectiveness: Many customers note that it helps maintain muscle mass and improves recovery.
- Muscle Builder: Users appreciate its support for lean muscle gains and strength.
- Value for Money: Customers find it affordable and reasonably priced.
- Ease of Use: Some mention the capsule size is easier to swallow than other brands.
Summary: “Nutricost HMB provides a solid dosage for muscle maintenance and strength support. While some users experienced mild stomach discomfort, its overall effectiveness, ease of swallowing, and affordability make it a reliable option.”
4. Best for Muscle Growth & Performance: NatureBell HMB 1000mg Capsules
Price: $21.99
NatureBell’s Triple Strength HMB delivers 3,000mg per serving in a high-potency formula. It includes added calcium for enhanced absorption and comes in a 300-capsule bottle, providing a 50-day supply.
Benefits
- Promotes muscle retention and prevents muscle breakdown
- Supports protein synthesis for muscle growth and repair
- Boosts endurance and recovery for athletes and fitness enthusiasts
- Enhanced calcium absorption for better bioavailability
What it Contains
- Calcium β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate Monohydrate – 3,000mg per serving
- Calcium – 420mg per serving (32% DV)
- Other ingredients: Rice flour, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, gelatin (capsule)
Pros
✔ Triple-strength formula for maximum potency
✔ Supports lean muscle mass and recovery
✔ Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free
✔ cGMP certified and third-party lab tested
Cons
✖ Requires six capsules per serving, which some may find inconvenient
✖ A few users find the capsule size slightly large
Customer Feedback
- Muscle Retention: Customers report significant improvements in muscle recovery and endurance.
- Effectiveness: Users find the high-potency formula beneficial for strength and stamina.
- Value for Money: Many appreciate the cost-effectiveness and long-lasting supply.
- Ease of Swallowing: Most users find the capsules easy to take, with no aftertaste.
Summary: NatureBell’s HMB 3000mg is a high-strength formula designed for serious fitness enthusiasts looking for muscle retention and recovery support. Despite the larger serving size, it delivers excellent value and effectiveness.
5. Best for Value & Daily Use: Deal Supplement HMB 1000mg Capsules
Price: Price not available
Deal Supplement’s HMB 1000mg is an affordable, high-quality supplement providing a bioavailable form of calcium β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (CaHMB). Designed for muscle maintenance, strength, and endurance, this formula is third-party tested, non-GMO, and free from common allergens, making it an excellent choice for athletes, bodybuilders, and aging individuals.
Benefits
- Max Strength Formula: 1,000mg of HMB per serving (2 capsules) for optimal muscle support.
- Supports Lean Muscle Mass: Helps maintain strength and performance, especially during calorie restriction or aging.
- Enhances Recovery & Performance: Works as a pre- or post-workout supplement to aid muscle recovery and reduce soreness.
- Clean & High-Quality Formula: Free from gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, and peanuts; third-party tested for purity.
What It Contains
- HMB (Calcium β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate Monohydrate) – 1,000 mg per serving
- Calcium – 140 mg
- Other Ingredients: Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Rice Flour, Gelatin (capsule).
Pros
✔ Affordable, budget-friendly option
✔ Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Non-GMO formula
✔ Third-party tested for purity & potency
✔ No taste or aftertaste
✔ 100-day supply per bottle
Cons
✖ Requires multiple daily servings to reach optimal 3g dosage
✖ Some users find serving size (4 capsules/day) excessive
✖ Mixed reviews on symptom relief
Customer Feedback:
- Effectiveness: Many users found this supplement effective for muscle retention and recovery, especially when combined with a consistent workout routine.
- Muscle Building: Customers reported increased muscle tone and strength, making it a great addition for athletes and bodybuilders.
- Value for Money: Users appreciate the affordable price and high capsule count, making it a cost-effective HMB supplement.
- Ease of Swallowing: Capsules are easy to take, tasteless, and do not cause any aftertaste or discomfort.
- Digestive Tolerance: A few users experienced minor bloating, but overall, most did not report any significant digestive issues.
Summary: Deal Supplement’s HMB 1000mg is a budget-friendly, effective option for muscle support and recovery, offering a clean, allergen-free formula with high customer satisfaction for its affordability and ease of use.
6. Best for High-Quality Formula: Optimum Nutrition HMB 1000mg Capsules
Price: $37.60
Optimum Nutrition HMB Capsules are designed to support muscle strength, endurance, and recovery. Each serving contains 3g of Calcium Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate Monohydrate (HMB), a well-known supplement for preserving muscle mass and preventing breakdown, particularly during intense training or caloric deficits. The product is marketed as a high-quality, scientifically backed supplement from a reputable brand in sports nutrition.
Benefits
- Helps maintain lean muscle mass and prevents muscle breakdown.
- Aids in muscle strength, endurance, and post-workout recovery.
- Supports fat metabolism while preserving muscle during cutting phases.
- Works well with creatine and amino acids for enhanced muscle-building effects.
- Convenient capsule form eliminates the need for messy powders.
What it Contains
- HMB per serving: 3g (1000mg per capsule, 3 capsules per serving).
- Calcium: 360mg (28% DV).
- Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate.
Pros
✅ High-quality HMB content per serving (3g).
✅ Easy-to-swallow capsules instead of powder.
✅ Well-known and reputable brand in sports nutrition.
✅ Positive reviews on muscle retention and strength enhancement.
✅ Free from unnecessary additives.
Cons
❌ Requires three capsules per serving, which some may find inconvenient.
❌ Slightly expensive compared to other HMB options.
❌ Some users found the capsules large (“horse pills”) and difficult to swallow.
Customer Feedback:
- Product Quality: Customers appreciate the high-quality formulation and its effectiveness when combined with other supplements like creatine.
- Muscle Strength: Users report increased muscle strength, reduced soreness, and enhanced recovery post-workout.
- Energy Level: Many users claim to feel more energetic and experience better endurance during workouts.
- Muscle Gain: Some users noticed 3-5% muscle growth per training cycle and faster recovery times.
- Value for Money: Mixed reviews—some users find it worth the price, while others feel it is a bit expensive compared to other brands.
Summary: Optimum Nutrition HMB 1000mg Capsules provide a potent 3g dose of HMB per serving, making them a solid choice for individuals looking to maintain muscle mass, improve recovery, and enhance performance. While the capsules are large, they are convenient for those who prefer an alternative to powders. Despite the higher price point, the product is well-received for its effectiveness in muscle retention, strength improvement, and endurance.
What is HMB?
HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) is a naturally occurring compound derived from the amino acid leucine, which plays a crucial role in muscle protein synthesis. The body produces only a small amount of HMB naturally, making supplementation beneficial for those looking to boost muscle recovery and prevent muscle loss.
HMB is primarily known for its ability to:
- Reduce muscle breakdown (anti-catabolic effect)
- Enhance muscle growth (anabolic effect)
- Support muscle recovery after intense workouts
How HMB Works
HMB helps balance muscle protein synthesis vs. muscle protein breakdown. It increases protein retention in muscle cells while reducing the degradation of muscle fibers, leading to better strength, endurance, and faster recovery.
Benefits of HMB Supplementation
HMB supplementation has been extensively studied for its positive effects on muscle health. Here are the key benefits:
Supports Muscle Growth & Strength
HMB helps increase lean muscle mass when combined with resistance training. Studies suggest that it enhances protein synthesis, leading to faster muscle growth and greater strength gains.
Summary: HMB promotes muscle growth and improves overall strength when taken alongside resistance training.
Prevents Muscle Breakdown
One of the most significant benefits of HMB is its anti-catabolic effect. It reduces muscle damage, making it ideal for athletes undergoing intense workouts or individuals experiencing muscle loss due to aging.
Summary: HMB protects muscle tissue by reducing protein breakdown, especially during intense training or calorie deficits.
Speeds Up Recovery
HMB has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and accelerate recovery after high-intensity exercise. This makes it beneficial for bodybuilders, endurance athletes, and fitness enthusiasts who train frequently.
Summary: HMB shortens recovery time, reducing muscle soreness and improving workout performance.
Enhances Fat Loss & Body Composition
HMB helps preserve muscle mass during calorie restriction, making it an excellent supplement for those on a fat-loss diet. By maintaining lean muscle, it supports a higher metabolism and better overall body composition.
Summary: HMB helps retain muscle while promoting fat loss, leading to a more defined physique.
Benefits for Aging Individuals
As we age, muscle loss becomes a major concern. HMB supplementation has been shown to improve muscle retention in older adults, reducing the risk of frailty and maintaining mobility.
Summary: HMB is beneficial for seniors to prevent age-related muscle loss and maintain strength.
How to Choose the Best HMB Supplement
Not all HMB supplements are created equal. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best option for your needs:
HMB Form (Free Acid vs. Calcium Salt)
- HMB Free Acid (HMB-FA): Absorbs faster, leading to quicker muscle recovery and protein synthesis.
- HMB Calcium Salt (HMB-Ca): More stable and commonly found in supplements but has a slower absorption rate.
Which one to choose? HMB-FA is best for fast absorption, while HMB-Ca is suitable for general use.
Dosage and Serving Size
- The optimal dosage for HMB is 3 grams per day for muscle growth and recovery.
- Some supplements provide 1-2 grams per serving, requiring multiple doses throughout the day.
Tip: Choose a product that delivers at least 3g of HMB daily for best results.
Additional Ingredients
Some HMB supplements are combined with other beneficial ingredients like:
- Creatine: Enhances strength and power output.
- Vitamin D: Supports muscle function and recovery.
- Leucine or BCAAs: Further boosts muscle protein synthesis.
Tip: If you’re looking for a muscle-building stack, opt for HMB combined with creatine or BCAAs.
Form: Capsule vs. Powder
- Capsules are convenient for daily intake.
- Powder allows for easier mixing in shakes or pre-workout drinks.
Tip: Choose a form that fits your routine and preferences.
Brand Reputation & Quality
- Look for brands with third-party testing and GMP certification to ensure purity and safety.
- Avoid products with fillers, artificial additives, or unnecessary ingredients.
Tip: Check customer reviews and independent lab tests before purchasing.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations
HMB is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. However, some users may experience:
- Mild digestive discomfort (bloating, nausea)
- No significant adverse effects at recommended doses
Who Should Avoid HMB?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to limited research)
- Individuals with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions (consult a doctor first)
Summary: HMB is safe for most people, but those with medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Final Thoughts
HMB is a powerful supplement that supports muscle growth, prevents muscle breakdown, and speeds up recovery. Whether you’re an athlete, bodybuilder, or someone looking to preserve lean muscle, choosing the right HMB supplement can make a significant difference in your fitness journey.
Before purchasing, consider factors like HMB type, dosage, additional ingredients, and brand reputation to find the best option for your needs.
Stay tuned as we review the top 6 best HMB supplements to help you make the best choice!