study on HMB and vitamin D supplementation for sarcopenia - opinion?

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hey Docs and all the great BBM people,

First, thanks so much for everything you guys/gals do. You have really helped me (just turned 67) claw my way back to where I no longer view aging as an inevitable decline into dependence. Working my way through Powerbuilding I currently. Those high-rep sets are murder, but I’m getting through it and plan to keep on that path when I finish.

My question is related to my spouse. She has always been exercise-adverse, and I don’t see that changing. I’ve tried many different approaches to get her more active, and all my efforts have only strained our relationship. Have you seen the following study: Long-term Effects of Calcium β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate and Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Muscular Function in Older Adults With and Without Resistance Training: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Study | The Journals of Gerontology: Series A | Oxford Academic (oup.com)? If you have, what’s your opinion of this kind of supplementation to combat sarcopenia in older inactive adults? I’d very much appreciate your thoughts on this, as I trust you guys on these kinds of topics (and not too many others).

The URL for the study is https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/75/11/2089/5898559

Thanks,

2

Adapter,

Thanks for the post and I hope you’re doing well :slight_smile:

I don’t think that HMB, a metabolite of the BCAA leucine, has good evidence for improving muscle mass, strength, etc in any population so I wouldn’t recommend it. I feel similarly with respect to vitamin D, save for those with documented deficiencies, though low vitamin D is more of a marker of “other” things going on in the body rather than just a need for more vitamin D.

Increasing dietary protein and physical activity, even if it’s not structured, would be ideal. It’d be great if she’d lift something for her own benefit too.

-Jordan

3

Doc, you’re the best…:). I’ve been making progress on her diet (along with mine), and will keep that going. And I’ll keep trying to find ways to get her more active, and maybe even lift something!

Thanks again, and I hope you, your family and all your associates/friends are well and staying safe.

4

Likewise. Happy New year!