Introduction
Calcium (β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate) Monohydrate (CaHMB) is the stable, bioavailable calcium salt of β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyric Acid (HMB). HMB is a natural metabolite produced in small amounts by the human body from the essential amino acid leucine. CaHMB is one of the two primary supplemental forms of HMB and has been the most extensively studied form for over two decades, supported by robust scientific evidence on its safety and efficacy.
Physical & Chemical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification / Value | Notes / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Consistent across commercial specifications. |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀H₁₈CaO₆ | Corresponds to the monohydrate form. |
| Molecular Weight | 274.32 g/mol | - |
| Purity | ≥98% - 99% (by HPLC/GC) | Typical commercial grade. |
| Melting Point | ~215 °C | A key identifying physical constant. |
| Boiling Point | 242.8 °C at 760 mmHg | - |
| Flash Point | 114.9 °C | Indicates combustibility at high temperatures. |
| Density | ~1.2 g/mL | A typical value for similar organic salts. |
| Solubility | Soluble in water. | Important for bioavailability and product formulation. |
| Vapor Pressure | ~0.00567 mmHg at 25°C | Indicates very low volatility at room temperature. |
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Keep the container tightly sealed. Room temperature storage is acceptable. | To maintain stability and prevent moisture absorption. |
| Loss on Drying (Moisture) | ≤ 0.5% | A common quality control parameter. |
Mechanism of Action: The Dual Pathway to Muscle Health
CaHMB's primary biological activity is centered on regulating muscle protein metabolism. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) identifies its core mechanism as a dual action on muscle protein turnover:
- Enhances Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS): HMB activates the mTORC1 pathway, a key cellular signal for building new proteins. Importantly, this activation is independent of the typical leucine-sensing pathway, providing a unique route to stimulate muscle growth.
- Suppresses Muscle Protein Breakdown (MPB): HMB helps reduce the activity of proteolytic systems (like the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway), thereby slowing the rate of muscle tissue catabolism, especially during metabolic stress (e.g., intense exercise, illness, or aging).
This dual mechanism-simultaneously promoting anabolism and inhibiting catabolism-helps maintain and increase lean body mass and improves net muscle protein balance.
Key Benefits & Efficacy
| Industry / Segment | Application Examples | Target Benefit & Market Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Nutrition | Pre-/post-workout powders, capsules, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, protein blends. | Enhance muscle growth, accelerate recovery, improve training performance. The most established application. |
| Healthy Aging / Medical Nutrition | Geriatric nutritional supplements, specialized medical foods (FSMP) for cancer, HIV, post-surgery, or trauma recovery. | Preserve muscle mass and strength, combat sarcopenia, and support recovery from wasting conditions. |
| Functional Food & Beverage | Fortified protein drinks, dairy products, nutrition bars, and healthy aging beverages. | Offer daily muscle support to mainstream consumers beyond traditional supplement users. |
| Weight Management | Meal replacements, diet support products. | Support fat loss while helping to preserve lean muscle mass during calorie restriction. |
Formulation & Usage Reference
Typical Dosage: The commonly studied and recommended effective dose is 3 grams of CaHMB per day, often split into 1-2 servings. Higher doses up to 6 g/day have been studied safely in clinical trials.
Synergistic Combinations: Efficacy may be enhanced when combined with:
Other muscle-support ingredients: Whey protein, creatine, or vitamin D.
Medical nutrition formulas: Combined with glutamine and arginine in FSMP to improve nitrogen balance and support recovery.
Product Forms: Suitable for capsules, tablets, powder blends, and can be incorporated into various solid and liquid food matrices.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between "Calcium HMB" and just "HMB"?
A: "HMB" refers to the active molecule, β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate. Calcium HMB (CaHMB) is one of its stable, salt forms. The other main form is HMB Free Acid (HMB-FA). Both deliver HMB to the body, but their pharmacokinetics (absorption rate and peak blood levels) may differ. CaHMB is the form with the longest history of safety and efficacy studies.
Q: Is CaHMB safe? Are there any side effects?
A: Yes, extensive research supports its safety. The ISSN states that chronic consumption of HMB-Ca is safe for humans for at least up to one year. Toxicological studies have established high safety thresholds (NOAEL), far exceeding recommended human doses. It is well-tolerated by most individuals with minimal reported side effects.
Q: When is the best time to take CaHMB?
A: For general muscle support, consistency (e.g., daily with meals) is key. For exercise-related benefits, consumption close to the workout bout (pre-, intra-, or post-workout) may be beneficial for maximizing muscle protein synthesis and attenuating the inflammatory response.
Q: Is it suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
A: Yes, commercially available CaHMB is produced synthetically and is not derived from animal sources, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan formulations.
Q: Does "Calcium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate" refer to the same product?
A: No, this is a different compound. "Calcium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate" (a ketone body salt) is distinct from "Calcium Beta-Hydroxy-Methylbutyrate" (CaHMB). Ensure you use the correct full name and CAS 135236-72-5 to avoid confusion.
Contact Us
Elevate your sports nutrition, healthy aging, or medical food formulations with our high-purity, globally compliant Calcium HMB powder. Backed by decades of research, it's the trusted choice for product developers worldwide.
Contact our sales team immediately for free quotes and samples.
Please contact us at ella.zhang@huilinbio-tech.com.
Hot Tags: calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate powder (cahmb), China, suppliers, manufacturers, factory, wholesale, buy, price, bulk, pure, natural, high quality, in stock, for sale
