Clinical Applications

• Supports muscle health*
• Supports muscle recovery after exercise*
• Supports increased protein synthesis and decreased protein degradation*

FitRestore is formulated with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), an organic metabolite of the amino acid leucine, known for its role in enhancing protein synthesis and reducing protein breakdown. This formula is further enhanced by the inclusion of Vitamin D, a key nutrient for maintaining skeletal muscle health and functionality. Together, HMB and Vitamin D make FitRestore an ideal solution for promoting overall muscle health and well-being.*

Discussion

HMB

Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, commonly known as HMB, is a derivative of the critical amino acid leucine, which is naturally occurring in the muscle cells of humans. It's been identified as having anabolic properties that influence muscle protein metabolism.[1,2] HMB's impact on muscle wellness can be attributed to various mechanisms. These include its role in reducing proteolysis caused by training through the suppression of proteolytic systems, and its function as a signaling compound for the enhancement of protein synthesis.[2-4] Research, primarily involving athletes, indicates that HMB supplementation could have positive effects on muscle mass and its functionality, particularly when paired with resistance exercise training.*[3,5]

In a methodically controlled study (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design) involving individuals aged 70 and above (N = 31), participants were administered 3 g of HMB or a placebo daily over eight weeks, along with a five-day-per-week exercise regimen. The group receiving HMB supplementation exhibited an increase in lean body mass. This outcome aligns with previous findings in younger adults showing reduced muscle proteolysis and augmented fat-free mass with resistance training. The study inferred that HMB plays a significant role in diminishing proteolysis.*[6]

In another study focusing on young, healthy, non-active participants (N = 37), a daily intake of 3 g of HMB for three weeks led to an upsurge in fat-free mass and overall body strength, highlighting HMB's potential to mitigate muscle protein degradation in the absence of exercise.[7] Furthermore, a study with a similar design (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel) was conducted on healthy individuals aged 60-76 years (N = 24), who were subjected to complete bed rest. The group receiving HMB, 3 g per day, from five days before bed rest to the end of a 10-day rehabilitation phase, demonstrated a preservation of muscle mass compared to the placebo group. This underscores HMB's efficacy in maintaining muscle mass during periods of immobilization.*[8]

Comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses have consolidated evidence on HMB's effectiveness in enhancing strength, body composition, and muscle health in both trained and untrained individuals. A particular meta-analysis reviewing randomized placebo-controlled trials with HMB supplementation ranging from 1.5 to 6 g/day over three to nine weeks provided substantial evidence of strength improvement in untrained individuals, although the effect on body composition was minimal.[2] Another meta-analysis focusing on the impact of various supplements on lean mass and strength in resistance training reviewed over 250 supplements, of which only six, including HMB, had sufficient research backing. From nine HMB studies included, it was observed that a daily dosage of 3 g aids in strength enhancement and lean mass gain.[9] A systematic review and meta-analysis examining HMB supplementation in clinical settings involving subjects (N = 2,137) with conditions leading to muscle mass loss and weakness corroborated earlier findings on older adults and athletes, suggesting HMB's role in increasing muscle mass and enhancing strength.*[10]

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is renowned for its role in bone health, primarily through regulating calcium and phosphate. Its link to muscle health and functionality is also well-established.[11,12] Low serum vitamin D levels have been associated with muscle weakness and myopathy. Laboratory studies reveal that vitamin D is integral to mitochondrial energy provision in muscle cells.*[13]

An investigation into the correlation between vitamin D levels and muscle strength in college athletes (N = 103) found that lower serum D levels were connected to reduced muscle strength and anaerobic capability. This led to the conclusion that vitamin D is a vital component in training, especially for sports demanding muscular strength.*[14]

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength. The results indicated that supplementation didn't significantly impact individuals with normal baseline vitamin D levels. However, a subset of studies showed strength improvement in vitamin D-deficient subjects.[11] Another analysis, based on data from 30 randomized trials involving over 5,600 participants, suggested that vitamin D supplementation positively affects muscle strength, though further research is necessary to determine the optimal dosage, duration, and administration method.*[12]

Studies have also been conducted on the joint impact of vitamin D and HMB. In a year-long randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with older participants (N = 117), the combination of HMB (3 g) and vitamin D (2,000 IU) proved beneficial for muscular function, with or without resistance training.[15] Another investigation into the vitamin D levels in older adults taking HMB supplements showed an increase in muscle mass regardless of vitamin D status. However, strength gains were more pronounced in individuals with sufficient vitamin D, indicating a synergistic effect between HMB and vitamin D on muscle functionality.*[16]

FitRestore effectively combines HMB and vitamin D, positioning it as an excellent supplement for the preservation and restoration of muscle health.

References

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13. Ryan ZC, Craig TA, Folmes CD, et al. J Biol Chem. 2016;291(3):1514-1528. doi:10.1074/jbc.M115.684399
14. Hildebrand RA, Miller B, Warren A, et al. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2016;26(6):558-564. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2016-0052
15. Rathmacher JA, Pitchford LM, Khoo P, et al. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2020;75(11):2089-2097. doi:10.1093/gerona/glaa218
16. Fuller JC Jr, Baier S, Flakoll P, et al. JPEN J Parented Enteral Nutr. 2011;35(6):757- 762. doi:10.1177/0148607111413903