NCT07419633

This Study Investigates β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) and 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA), When Administered Either Individually or in Combination Contributes to an Increased Quality of Health, Specifically Improving Muscular Strength and Cognitive Functioning in Adults Over the Age of 65.

The Effects of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and/or 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) on Markers of Health Span in Older Adults. A Randomized Control Trial.

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Sponsor: McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

In this study, participants will be assigned to receive HMB, 2-HOBA, a combination of both, or a comparison supplement for a set period of time. During the study, participants will attend scheduled visits where researchers will assess muscle strength, physical function, and overall health. Blood samples may be collected to measure markers related to metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Study staff will also monitor safety and any side effects throughout the study.

Detailed description

While the concept of using food or food components for medicinal purposes dates back many years ago, the term "nutraceuticals" is gaining respect in present day. Nutraceuticals are described as products that are derived from food sources which provide additional health benefits, include HMB, 2-HOBA, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants. These substances show considerable promise in extending health span (period of life spent in good health)through their ability to target aging hallmarks, protect against chronic diseases and enhance cellular resilience. HMB is a naturally produced substance that is made when the body breaks down an amino acid called leucine, one of the building blocks of protein, which may promote muscle growth. Muscles are made of proteins that are continuously built up and broken down as they are used. When we exercise, we build more muscle proteins than we breakdown, and over time our muscles grow bigger and stronger. When we do not use our muscles (e.g., sedentary behavior), our muscles get smaller and weaker. This fatty acid occurs in limited quantities within the human body, as only \~5% of dietary leucine converts to HMB. Healthy individuals typically produce 0.2- 0.4 g of HMB per day through normal metabolism. 2-HOBA also known as salicylamine, is a natural substance found in plants such as Himalayan buckwheat. It has demonstrated a reputation that helps protect your cells from damage caused by stress and aging. It may help protect your brain, keep your heart healthy and slow down aging-related damage. The use of this product is considered experimental, and we may not know all the risks associated with it as yet, but that Health Canada has not objected to its use in this study. Both products are approved by Health Canada separately but no study has been examined the combination of both.

Conditions

• Muscle
• Cognitive Functioning
• Geriatric
• Ageing and Geriatric Health
• Ageing

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate	Participants in intervention group HMB (H) will receive HMB supplementation at a dose of 3g/day, consisting of 2 tablets of 750mg each, twice daily for a period of 90 days.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	2-hydroxybenzylamine	Participants in the intervention group (2-H) will receive 2-HOBA at a dose of 650mg/day, respectively consisting of 2 tablets of 162.5mg each, twice daily for a period of 90 days.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and 2-hydroxybenzylamine	Participants in the intervention group (H-2-H) will receive HMB + 2-HOBA at a dose of 3g and 650 mg/day, respectively, consisting of 2 tablets of 750mg and 325mg each, twice daily for a period of 90 days.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Placebo	Participants in control group (c) will receive 2 tablets- twice daily, each containing the same ingredients, placebo will be identical color and weight matched tablets with excipients (no HMB and no 2-HOBA) for a period of 90 days.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-05
• Primary completion: 2027-02-05
• Completion: 2027-02-05
• First posted: 2026-02-19
• Last updated: 2026-02-19

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada