Compositions and Methods of Use of -hydroxy--methylbutyrate (HMB) for Decreasing Fat Mass

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition comprising HMB. Methods of administering HMB to an animal are also described. HMB is administered to enhance or promote lipolysis, increase adipocyte fat oxidation, induce adipocyte and muscle mitochondrial biogenesis, increase energy expenditure, decrease total body weight and increase body fat loss.

1 . A composition comprising from about 0.5 g to about 30 g of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB) wherein administration of the composition to an animal in need thereof has at least one effect selected from the group comprising enhanced lipolysis, increased adipocyte fat oxidation, induced adipocyte biogenesis, increased energy expenditure, reductions in fat mass, reductions in total body weight and increased fat loss. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said HMB is selected from the group consisting of its free acid form, its salt, its ester, and its lactone. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said salt is selected from the group consisting of a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a magnesium salt, a chromium salt and a calcium salt. 
     
     
         4 . A composition for reducing the amount of fat in the body of an animal, said composition comprising from about 0.5 g to about 30 g of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB) which promotes lipolysis in the body of said animal. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein administration of HMB increases muscle mass in the body of said animal. 
     
     
         6 . A method of increasing lipolysis in adipose tissue of an animal in need thereof comprising administering to said animal a composition of from about 0.5 g to about 30 g of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB) thereby increasing lipolysis of animal. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said HMB is selected from the group consisting of its free acid form, its salt, its ester, and its lactone. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said salt is selected from the group consisting of a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a magnesium salt, a chromium salt and a calcium salt. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the animal is not participating in an exercise program. 
     
     
         10 . A method of inducing fat loss in an animal in need thereof comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB). 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said HMB is selected from the group consisting of its free acid form, its salt, its ester, and its lactone. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said salt is selected from the group consisting of a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a magnesium salt, a chromium salt and a calcium salt. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein administration of the composition of HMB increases muscle mass. 
     
     
         14 . A method of promoting the export of glycerol from adipocytes in an animal in need thereof comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB). 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said HMB is selected from the group consisting of its free acid form, its salt, its ester, and its lactone. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said salt is selected from the group consisting of a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a magnesium salt, a chromium salt and a calcium salt. 
     
     
         17 . A method of treating or preventing at least one of the comorbidities associated with obesity in an animal in need thereof comprising administering to the animal a composition of from about 0.5 g to about 30 g of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB). 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the comorbidities are selected from the group consisting of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, and cancer.