NutriStack
BCAAs and HMB, a synergy.
HMB is a metabolite of leucine, so BCAAs and HMB act on related anabolic and anti-catabolic pathways to support muscle protein balance.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Moderate evidence
Synergy
What is happening. HMB is a metabolite of leucine, so BCAAs and HMB act on related anabolic and anti-catabolic pathways to support muscle protein balance.
Mechanism. Leucine (a BCAA) stimulates muscle protein synthesis via mTOR signaling, and HMB, its downstream metabolite, reduces protein degradation; the two influence overlapping leucine-related anabolic pathways.
Recommendation. Combining is reasonable around training, though the benefit overlaps since HMB derives from leucine; prioritize total protein intake first.
Sources (2)
- Wilson JM et al., International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2013
- Wilkinson DJ et al., Effects of leucine and its metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate on human skeletal muscle protein metabolism, Journal of Physiology, 2013
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both BCAAs and HMB are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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