Effect of short-term beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on serum cortisol and testosterone levels in male wrestlers following an exhaustive exercise

Background: The use of HMB supplement is prevalence among athletes to reduce proteolysis and increase muscle mass. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on serum cortisol and testosterone levels in wrestling men following an exhaustive exercise.

Methods: Sixteen male wrestlers were randomly divided into two groups including: HMB supplementation (40 mg/kg body weight; n=8) and placebo (n=8). Both groups, after two weeks of supplementation, performed an exhaustive exercise. Blood was obtained before supplementation (Base), before exhaustive exercise, immediately after exhaustive exercise, one hour and 24 hours’ after exhaustive exercise. Circulating concentrations of cortisol and testosterone were assayed.

Results: The results of this study indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups at serum cortisol levels of resting state (before exhaustive exercise) and after exhaustive exercise (immediately, one hour and 24 hours later) (p<0.05). However, there was significant difference between the HMB and placebo groups at serum testosterone levels and testosterone/cortisol of resting state (before exhaustive exercise) and after exhaustive exercise (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In general, short-term beta-hydroxy beta-methyl butyrate (HMB) supplementation does not affect the serum cortisol in male wrestlers before and after an exhausting exercise. However, HMB supplementation can lead to a significant increase in serum testosterone and T/C before and after an exhausting exercise.