Taking a specific supplement called HMB-FA before a tough workout doesn’t change your hormone levels or inflammation markers the next day, at least not in guys who regularly lift weights.
Context Details
Domain
exercise_science
Population
human
Subject
resistance-trained men
Action
has no significant effect on
Target
plasma testosterone, free testosterone, cortisol, or C-reactive protein levels at 48 hours post-exercise
Intervention Details
Gold Standard Evidence Needed
According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid reduces markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and improves recovery in resistance-trained men
The study gave trained men 3 grams of HMB-FA before a tough workout and checked their hormone and inflammation levels 48 hours later — and found no change. So yes, the supplement didn’t affect those levels, just like the claim says.