The Potential Role of Î’-Hydroxy-Î’-Methylbutyrate in Preventing Muscle Loss in Chronic Diseases

Loss of lean body mass is apparent in many chronic diseases, such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure. The loss is a combined consequence of clinical conditions, loss of appetite, and lack of physical activity. In addition, even short-term hospitalization would increase the risk for loss of lean body mass. It has been shown that this malnutrition state significantly increased the length of hospitalization, readmission rate, and mortality.