Supplements

HMB + EPA/DHA supplementation increases postabsorptive net protein breakdown in COPD patients

In a 10-week RCT, HMB + EPA/DHA (but not EPA/DHA alone) significantly increased postabsorptive net protein breakdown (p=0.028) and whole body production of glutamine, taurine, and tyrosine in COPD patients. Both EPA/DHA and HMB + EPA/DHA increased lean soft tissue, but only HMB + EPA/DHA reduced whole body and extremity fat mass.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Functional and metabolic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation and the role of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate addition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized clinical trial.

observational

Engelen MPKJ, Simbo SY, Ruebush LE, Thaden JJ, Ten Have GAM, Harrykissoon RI, Zachria AJ, Calder PC, Pereira SL, Deutz NEP · Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2024)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 10 weeks
Intervention: Daily supplementation with 2.0 g EPA/DHA plus 3.0 g Ca-HMB for 10 weeks
Outcome: Postabsorptive net protein breakdown (netPB), whole body production of amino acids, lean soft tissue, fat mass, muscle function, cognitive health, functional performance, quality of life, inflammatory cytokines
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Patients with moderate to very severe COPD (GOLD stages II-IV, n=46)

Result:

PubMed: 39181037DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.08.004

Mechanism Graph

HMB + EPA/DHA supplementation increases net protein breakdown
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This may indicate enhanced protein turnover cycling
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Increased turnover supports lean soft tissue gain
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Result: Increased lean soft tissue and reduced fat mass

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=46 total, 14-16 per group)
  • ⚠Whether HMB alone or synergistic with EPA/DHA causes fat loss remains unclear
  • ⚠No significant improvements in muscle function, brain health, or quality of life were observed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary finding of this study?▼

HMB combined with EPA/DHA increased net protein breakdown and reduced fat mass in COPD patients, while EPA/DHA alone increased lean soft tissue but did not affect fat loss.

How long was the supplementation period?▼

The intervention lasted 10 weeks.

Did the supplements improve muscle function or quality of life?▼

No significant improvements were found in muscle function, brain health, daily functional performance, or quality of life.

What was the dose of EPA/DHA and HMB used?▼

Patients received 2.0 g of EPA/DHA and 3.0 g of Ca-HMB daily.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Engelen MPKJ, Simbo SY, Ruebush LE, Thaden JJ, Ten Have GAM, Harrykissoon RI, Zachria AJ, Calder PC, Pereira SL, Deutz NEP. "Functional and metabolic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation and the role of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate addition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized clinical trial.." Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 2024. PMID: 39181037 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.08.004
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.