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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Ashwagandha vs HMB: HMB has the stronger overall evidence (6 vs 7.5/10); they're alternatives for speed up recovery — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
HMB wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
13 of 13 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
8 of 13 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
300-600mg daily (standardized extract)
Morning for daytime stress, Evening for sleep support
KSM-66 or Sensoril standardized extract
3g daily
Split into 1g doses 3x daily, Or all at once with a meal
HMB-Ca (calcium salt) capsules or powder
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
First week
4-8 weeks
N/A
1-2 weeks
Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Explore (NY) (2024) · Meta analysis · n=873
Significant effect on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (MD = -4.72, 95 % CI = [-8.45 to -0.99]).
Effects of Withania somnifera Extract in Chronically Stressed Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Nutrients (2024) · Rct · n=131
Our findings demonstrate the stress-reduction capabilities of this well-characterized aqueous extract of WS (root and leaf) at the low dose of 125 mg/day, in a dose-dependent manner, via the modulation of the HPA axis.
Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic review
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2023) · Systematic review
Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory.
Nutritional interventions for treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) · Meta analysis · n=629
It is also uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplement increases the proportion of ulcers healed at 16 weeks compared with placebo (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.40).
β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and its impact on skeletal muscle mass and physical function in clinical practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2019) · Meta analysis · n=2137
Effect sizes were small.
Dietary Supplementation on Physical Performance and Recovery in Active-Duty Military Personnel: A Systematic Review of Randomized and Quasi-Experimental Controlled Trials
Nutrients (2024) · Systematic review
Nutrition supplementation may have small benefits on muscle performance and recovery in warfighters.
Based on meta-analysis showing significant HAM-A score reduction (p=0.0007) and RCT evidence at 125mg dose. High heterogeneity (I2=98%) in pooled analysis suggests variable response. Extract standardization affects bioavailability.
Meta-analyses show small but significant effects on total body mass and fat-free mass. Effect sizes are consistently reported as 'small' (ES ~0.21-0.22). Multiple studies show no significant effects in older adults or sarcopenia patients. HMB-FA form may have superior bioavailability to HMB-Ca.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
HMB has a higher evidence score (6/10 vs 7.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For speed up recovery, HMB has a higher relevance score (75 vs 70).
No known interactions between Ashwagandha and HMB have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
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The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.