HMB or ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate monohydrate is produced in the body from proteins containing the amino acid leucine. HMB's effects on muscle metabolism were discovered and patented by scientists at Iowa State University and Vanderbilt University. HMB may increase the strengthening effects of exercise by minimizing the muscle tissue breakdown that occurs after strenuous activity. This enables the body to speed up the muscle building process and gain significantly more strength.