TSI Group recently highlighted newly published clinical research from the University of Nottingham suggesting that HMB may complement whey protein in supporting muscle protein turnover in healthy older adults.

The randomized, double-blind crossover study evaluated 24 adults between the ages of 65 and 75. Participants consumed either 40 grams of whey protein alone or 40 grams of whey protein combined with 3 grams of calcium-HMB. Researchers then measured changes in muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein breakdown following supplementation.

According to the study, whey protein increased muscle protein synthesis as expected. However, when calcium-HMB was added, researchers observed a longer suppression of muscle protein breakdown during the later post-feeding period compared with whey protein alone. The study also reported that older women showed a greater muscle protein synthesis response when HMB was combined with whey protein, although the authors noted that larger sex-stratified studies are needed to better understand this finding.

The research is relevant because muscle maintenance in aging is not only about stimulating new muscle protein synthesis. It also involves managing the balance between muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein breakdown over time. As healthy aging, mobility, strength, and independence become increasingly important consumer priorities, ingredients such as protein, HMB, creatine, collagen, and related muscle-support nutrients are gaining broader relevance beyond traditional sports nutrition.

The study was short-term and mechanistic, meaning it measured acute muscle metabolism after supplementation rather than long-term changes in muscle mass, strength, mobility, or functional outcomes. Still, the findings add to the growing scientific discussion around multi-pathway approaches to muscle health and healthy aging nutrition.

What this means for the health products industry.

The line between sports nutrition and healthy aging continues to blur. Protein remains a foundational ingredient for muscle support, but this research points to opportunities for more advanced formulations that combine protein with complementary ingredients such as HMB. For brands, this supports continued innovation in active-aging products, including powders, ready-to-drink shakes, sachets, bars, and other convenient formats designed for older adults and health-conscious consumers focused on strength, mobility, and maintaining quality of life.

(Source: tsigroupltd.com & HPA-Global)

If your company is active in the dietary supplement, functional food, ingredient, or health products industry and is not yet a member of HPA-Global, we invite you to consider joining the association. HPA-Global supports members with China and global market intelligence, marketing visibility, industry connections, and access to regulatory support for supplements, ingredients, and related health products in China, the U.S., and other international markets. Click the link below for more details: