Benefits of HMB For Alzheimer's: Safety And Dosage For Elderly
Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative condition that significantly affects memory and cognitive function, is a significant health concern, particularly for older adults.
HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate), a dietary supplement, has emerged as a promising option.
While primarily recognized for its muscle-enhancing effects, new research has revealed valuable insights into the potential advantages of HMB for Alzheimer's disease.
This article examines HMB's safety and dosage recommendations for older adults, including those with Alzheimer's.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Benefits Of HMB For Alzheimer's
Currently, there is limited research directly on the benefits of HMB for Alzheimer's disease. However, existing findings from studies conducted on animal models indicate that HMB may hold promise as a preventive measure against Alzheimer's.
- Reduced Aging Effects on Nerve Cells: HMB supplementation has reduced the aging effects on nerve cells [2]. Aging leads to degeneration of nerve cells, which is a prominent factor contributing to Alzheimer's disease. By mitigating this degeneration, HMB potentially delays the onset of Alzheimer's.
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Studies using animal models have showcased that daily HMB supplementation can improve cognitive function in older individuals [3] , [4].
Cognitive function is significantly impaired in Alzheimer's patients, and enhancement of cognitive function is critical to managing this disease.
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Mechanism Of HMB for Alzheimer's From Science Perspectives
The potential benefits of HMB in Alzheimer's disease may be linked to its effect on various cellular mechanisms. HMB influences vital biological pathways crucial for nerve cell growth and function.
- Influence on the PI3K Signaling Pathway: The PI3K signaling pathway plays an essential element in the growth and specialization of nerve cells, contributing significantly to their development and differentiation [6].
- Regulation of ERK Activation: The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) can inhibit the excessive growth of nerve cells, an activity linked to neurodegenerative diseases. [6].
- Stimulating mTOR: The stimulation of mTOR is known to promote growth in nerve cells and aids in memory consolidation in the brain [1] , 6].
Safety And Recommended Dosage Of HMB For Elderly
The demonstrated benefits of HMB for Alzheimer's underscore the significance of daily supplementation. While HMB is naturally present in our diets, the conversion of leucine into HMB from food is relatively limited.
This conversion efficiency tends to decline, particularly in older individuals. As a result, it becomes crucial for older adults to supplement with a safe daily dose of HMB.
In a clinical trial involving participants aged 50 and above, the HMB supplementation dosage varied from 1 to 3 grams daily, administered through various mediums, including powder, tablets, and nutritional beverages [3].
The trial results suggested that an HMB Alzheimer's dosage of 3 grams daily is optimal for achieving maximum effectiveness, particularly for elderly individuals.
It's worth noting that while HMB has been demonstrated to be generally safe to use, seeking consultation from a healthcare professional before starting a new supplementation regimen is crucial.
This precaution ensures your well-being and allows for tailored assessment and guidance based on your specific needs.
Learn more: What Are The Side Effects Of HMB? HMB’s Interaction And Safety
How To Incorporate HMB To Improve Alzheimer's In Elderly Life?
Incorporating HMB into the daily routine of elderly individuals, especially those battling Alzheimer's, can be achieved through practical means:
Diet: Including leucine-rich foods like poultry, fish, eggs, and milk products can naturally boost HMB levels in the body.
Supplements: As mentioned, taking HMB supplements in powder, tablets, or nutritional drinks can help maintain healthy HMB levels. An optimal daily dose of HMB is 3 grams. Also, looking for the best HMB supplements is necessary to get the highest result.
Combination with Vitamin D3 and Exercise: Combining HMB supplementation with Vitamin D3 has enhanced emotional balance and overall muscle and brain function [5]. Studies suggest pairing exercise with HMB supplementation can also improve cognition in older adults [3].
Consultation with a Healthcare Provider: While these strategies can be worked, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. They can tailor the supplementation regime to the individual's health needs and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HMB Good For The Brain?
The advantages of HMB for brain health are undeniable. Numerous research studies have consistently shown its positive impact on the growth and preservation of nerve cells in the human brain, both in terms of development and countering the effects of aging [2, 3, 4].
Is HMB Good For Older Men?
While no definitive study exists on the effects of HMB for older men, based on user experiences, it's suggested that it offers benefits for older adults, including men. Besides potential Alzheimer's prevention, HMB improves physical strength and mitigates bone loss in older adults [5].
Conclusion
HMB presents a promising frontier in mitigating the effects of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in older adults. Its ability to foster nerve cell development, enhance cognitive function, and counter the effects of aging makes it a vital supplement for brain health. Furthermore, the potential of HMB for Alzheimer's is amplified with Vitamin D3 and regular exercise. However, it is crucial to always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice on HMB usage and dosage to ensure optimal safety and effectiveness.
References
- [1] Barranco, A., Garcia, L., Gruart, A., Delgado-Garcia, J. M., Rueda, R., & Ramirez, M. (2022). Effects of β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate Supplementation on Working Memory and Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation in Rodents. Nutrients, 14(5), 1090. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14051090
- [2] Bianchetti, A., & Novelli, A. (2019). Sarcopenia in the elderly: from clinical aspects to therapeutic options. Geriatric Care, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2019.8033
- [3] Courel-Ibáñez, Vetrovsky, Dadova, Pallarés, & Steffl. (2019). Health Benefits of β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) Supplementation in Addition to Physical Exercise in Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 11(9), 2082. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092082
- [4] Fernández-Landa, J., Fernández-Lázaro, D., Calleja-González, J., Caballero-García, A., Córdova Martínez, A., León-Guereño, P., & Mielgo-Ayuso, J. (2020). Effect of Ten Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Plus HMB Supplementation on Athletic Performance Tests in Elite Male Endurance Athletes. Nutrients, 12(1), E193. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010193
- [5] Munroe, M., Mahmassani, Z. S., Dvoretskiy, S., Reid, J. J., Miller, B. F., Hamilton, K., Rhodes, J. S., & Boppart, M. D. (2018). Cognitive function is preserved in aged mice following long-term β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate supplementation. Nutritional Neuroscience, 23(3), 170–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415x.2018.1483101
- [6] Rathmacher, J., Pitchford, L., Khoo, P., Angus, H., Lang, J., Lowry, K., Ruby, C., Krajek, A., Fuller, J., & Sharp, R. (2020). Biological Sciences cite as. J Gerontol a Biol Sci Med Sci, 75(11), 2089–2097. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa218
- [7] Salto, R., Vílchez, J. D., Girón, M. D., Cabrera, E., Campos, N., Manzano, M., Rueda, R., & López-Pedrosa, J. M. (2015). β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) Promotes Neurite Outgrowth in Neuro2a Cells. PLOS ONE, 10(8), e0135614. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0135614
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This article synthesizes information from studies conducted by experts and researchers worldwide. The researchers below are the authors of the studies which are synthesized in this article.
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