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3163473 
Journal Article 
Interaction of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate Free Acid (HMB-FA) and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Power in Resistance Trained Individuals 
Lowery, RP; Joy, JM; Rathmacher, JA; Baier, SM; Fuller, J; Shelley, MC; Jäeger, R; Purpura, M; Wilson, SM; Wilson, JM 
2014 
Yes 
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
ISSN: 1064-8011
EISSN: 1533-4287 
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS 
PHILADELPHIA 
1843-1854 
English 
24714541 
WOS:000378605900009 
Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) supplementation helps maintain performance under high fatiguing contractions and with greater fatigue recovery demands also increase. Current evidence suggests that the free acid form of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB-FA) acts by speeding regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle following high intensity or prolonged exercise. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of HMB-FA (3g) and ATP (400mg) administration on lean mass (LBM), strength, and power in trained individuals. A 3-phase double-blind, placebo- and diet-controlled study was conducted. Phases consisted of an 8-week periodized resistance-training program (Phase 1), followed by a 2-week overreaching cycle (Phase 2), and a 2-week taper (Phase 3). Lean body mass was increased by a combination of HMB-FA/ATP by 12.7% (p < 0.001). In a similar fashion, strength gains following training were increased in HMB-FA/ATP-supplemented subjects by 23.5% (p < 0.001). Vertical jump and Wingate power were increased in the HMB-FA/ATP-supplemented group compared to the placebo-supplemented group and the 12-week increases were 21.5% and 23.7% respectively. During the overreaching cycle, strength and power declined in the placebo group (4.3 to 5.7%) while supplementation with HMB-FA/ATP resulted in continued strength gains (1.3%). In conclusion HMB-FA and ATP in combination with resistance exercise training enhanced LBM, power, and strength. In addition, HMB-FA plus ATP blunted the typical response to overreaching, resulting in a further increase in strength during that period. It appears that the combination of HMB-FA/ATP could benefit those who continuously train at high levels such as elite athletes or military personnel.