Work

β‐Hydroxy β‐Methyl Butyric Acid (HMB) and Its Potential Doping Relevance: A Pilot Study on Its Urinary Excretion Profile

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: β-hydroxy β-methyl butyric acid (HMB), either as the free acid or in the form of its calcium salt, is a component of several dietary supplements marketed to enhance sports performance, due to its role in protein synthesis. In this pilot study, we investigated the urinary excretion profile of HMB, an endogenous metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine. The endogenous reference ranges of HMB, in human urine samples, were monitored by collecting samples from 20 volunteers. Data obtained were compared with those from controlled excretion studies, following the intake of a 3-g oral dose of HMB. Urine samples were analyzed through a targeted procedure employing a conventional GC-MS system operating in SIM mode. Our results show that the excreted urinary concentration of HMB significantly exceeds the range of endogenous concentrations for at least 24 h, making possible to detect its exogenous origin.

Source: Drug Testing and Analysis

DOI: 10.1002/dta.3826

Authors: Cristian Camuto, Xavier de la Torre, Francesco Botrè, Fabio de Giorgio

Institutions: Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, University of Lausanne, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic

Language: English

Topic: Doping in Sports

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,440