HME Amino Acid Supplementation for Strength, Performance, and Recovery in Trained Adult Males

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexMale
Age18-45
SponsorOrivian inc

About this trial

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates HME (Human Muscle Equivalent), a free-form amino acid supplement formulated to match the amino acid composition of human skeletal muscle, taken at its Health Canada licensed dose (3 g powder plus one 50 mg slow-release beta-alanine capsule daily). Trained adult males (competitive athletes or certified fitness professionals) are randomized to HME or an identical-appearing placebo for 10 weeks: a 2-week supplement-only lead-in followed by 8 weeks of supplement plus supervised resistance training. The primary aim is to estimate the effect of HME on composite maximal strength (1-repetition maximum leg press plus chest press) compared with placebo. Secondary measures include isometric knee-extension strength, countermovement jump height, and subjective recovery.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Age 18 to 45 years inclusive

Biological male

Active competitive athlete in a recognized sport OR certified fitness professional (personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, or equivalent)

Minimum 3 structured resistance-training sessions per week for at least 1 year continuously

Disqualifiers

Use of anabolic steroids, SARMs, prohormones, or beta-alanine supplements (other than the study product) within 8 weeks of screening

Current use of any amino acid supplement or weight-gainer product not cleared by the research coordinator

Currently in an active competitive season with non-negotiable training demands the investigator determines are incompatible with the supervised programme

Musculoskeletal injury in the preceding 3 months affecting ability to perform study assessments or training

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • HME (Human Muscle Equivalent)

    Dietary supplement

    HME (Human Muscle Equivalent) is a two-component amino acid formulation taken together as a single daily serving: a 3 g free-form amino acid powder matched to the human skeletal muscle amino acid profile, plus a slow-release capsule containing 50 mg beta-alanine. Both components together constitute HME. Health Canada NPN 80148183 (powder) and 80148185 (capsule).

  • Placebo

    Dietary supplement

    Maltodextrin powder and capsule matched for appearance, volume, and taste.

Treatment groups

50 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: HMEExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: PlaceboPlacebo comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Change in composite 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength (leg press plus chest press)

Sum of maximal leg press and seated chest press, analyzed by linear mixed model (Group by Time), intention-to-treat.

Time frame
Week 2 (baseline) to Week 10

Secondary outcomes

1

Countermovement jump height

CMJ height (cm), Jump pad measured, best of 3 attempts.

Time frame
Weeks 0, 2, 3, 6, 10
2

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

DOMS visual analogue scale (0 to 10), weekly self-report.

Time frame
weekly from weeks 1 to 10
3

Subjective recovery (Hooper Index)

Hooper Index total and 4 subscales (fatigue, sleep quality, stress, muscle soreness), 1 to 7 Likert each, weekly self-report.

Time frame
Weekly, Weeks 1 to 10
4

Isometric knee-extension peak force

Peak force (N/kg), VOLTRA I isometric mode, 90/90 seated position, single blinded assessor.

Time frame
Weeks 0, 2, 3, 6, 10

Other outcomes

1

Repeated sprint ability

Peak power, mean power, and fatigue index on cycle ergometer (5 x 6-second protocol, 7.5% body weight resistance). Exploratory.

Time frame
Weeks 0, 2, 3, 6, 10
2

Lean mass trajectory (bioimpedance)

Lean mass trajectory by HumePod BIA under standardized hydration conditions. Budget-contingent, exploratory.

Time frame
Weekly, Weeks 1 to 10

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.