HMB (calcium HMB)
HMB (calcium HMB) suppliers and sourcing guide
HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine. Commercial HMB is made by chemical synthesis, typically by oxidizing diacetone alcohol, and is sold mainly as the calcium salt monohydrate (CaHMB), a white crystalline powder, or as the free acid in liquid or encapsulated form. Label amounts are usually stated as CaHMB.
- Category
- Specialty nutrients
- Also known as
- calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate · CaHMB · HMB free acid · beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of HMB (calcium hmb)
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Calcium HMB monohydrate
The standard form, a crystalline powder used in capsules, tablets and drink mixes.
HMB free acid
Liquid or encapsulated free acid, for gels and liquids; a smaller share of the market.
Granular or agglomerated CaHMB
Grades with better flow for tableting or better dispersion in powders.
Branded HMB
Branded calcium HMB and free acid sold under licensed specifications.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- HMB assay (HPLC or titration)
- HMB content, reported as CaHMB or as HMB free acid; check which basis is used.
- Calcium content
- Calcium by titration or ICP-OES for the calcium salt.
- Water content
- Karl Fischer or loss on drying, which confirms the monohydrate.
- Identity
- IR spectrum or HPLC retention time against a reference standard.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, checked against the supplier specification and the buyer's own limits.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or E. coli, and Salmonella, against the supplier specification.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from humidity; CaHMB is fairly stable but can cake. Free acid grades should be kept sealed and protected from heat. Shelf life and retest come from the supplier's specification.
Lots and expiry dates
Record the assay basis (CaHMB or free acid) and calcium content for each lot so label amounts and calcium declarations stay correct. Rotate first-expiry-first-out.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) as a medicinal ingredient.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The EU Novel Food Catalogue entry POL-NF-00181 states that beta-hydroxy beta methylbutyrate (HMB) is not novel in food supplements and foods for special medical purposes.
Source: ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
HMB (calcium HMB) suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking HMB (calcium hmb) suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell HMB (calcium hmb)? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of HMB (calcium hmb) can brands buy?
Common forms include calcium HMB monohydrate, hMB free acid, granular or agglomerated CaHMB and branded HMB. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for HMB (calcium hmb) include?
Expect hMB assay (HPLC or titration), calcium content, water content, identity, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should HMB (calcium hmb) be stored?
Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from humidity; CaHMB is fairly stable but can cake. Free acid grades should be kept sealed and protected from heat. Shelf life and retest come from the supplier's specification.
What is the regulatory status of HMB (calcium hmb)?
Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) as a medicinal ingredient. The EU Novel Food Catalogue entry POL-NF-00181 states that beta-hydroxy beta methylbutyrate (HMB) is not novel in food supplements and foods for special medical purposes.
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