Sometimes going to the gym to build muscle isn’t enough to get the results you want to see, especially if you need to keep yourself in shape. Getting the right gains is even more important if you need to compete in sports or other contests where physical form is a priority.
Dietary supplements are the usual fallback point for people who need to meet such physical requirements. Supplements can help you make the most out of your workouts by improving your performance during exercises and keeping you fueled for longer.
There are many kinds of diet supplements out there, all promising to provide various benefits. The StrengthSeries Creatine HMB is another entry in the long list of said products. But is it worth looking into?
In this Transparent Labs Creatine HMB Review, we list all the things you need to know about this supplement and more.
About Transparent Labs
Transparent Labs is a Utah-based company that’s dedicated to delivering scientifically proven and tested supplements with clearly listed formulations.
The company uses clinically approved formulas that are free of harmful additives like artificial sweeteners and colored dyes. They also make sure that each product is clearly labeled so you can fully understand what you’re buying.
Transparent Labs is a reputable company with a loyal community that trusts its products. While the supplements they offer might not appeal to every single individual, they are well-received by the public. Their reputation for creating effective supplements and their dedication to transparency have earned them respect and support from their customers and the industry at large.
The StrengthSeries Creatine HMB
The StrengthSeries Creatine HMB is one of Transparent Labs’ latest offers. It’s a dietary supplement designed to improve performance during workouts while also promoting a speedier recovery process afterward. The product does so by providing your body with the right amount of proper ingredients that boost your natural capabilities.
The primary benefits you can expect from the StrengthSeries Creatine HMB are increased strength and endurance, reduced body fat, and less lean muscle loss during the recovery phase.
The product is unflavored, staying true to the company’s commitment to purity, but there are also some flavored versions for those who want to enjoy a bit of variety.
Ingredient Profile
The positive effects of Creatine HMB are made possible by Transparent Labs’ carefully calculated formula. It contains three main ingredients for each flavor.
The StrengthSeries Creatine HMB contains:
- Creatine Monohydrate (Creapure, 5,000mg)
- HMB (2,000mg)
- Black pepper extract (BioPerine, 5mg, 95% Piperine)
Every ingredient plays a key part in the formula, directly affecting how the supplement affects your body. In this ingredient review, we take a deeper look at each of them and see exactly how they work.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine Monohydrate is the main powerhouse of the StrengthSeries Creatine HMB. It’s a nutritional supplement that’s been proven to improve strength, increase muscle mass, and heighten physical performance. It also helps protect against neurological diseases.
Creatine is a pure, organic substance that’s naturally found in muscle cells, and its effects are most noticeable during high-intensity physical activities.
For the StrengthSeries Creatine HMB, Transparent Labs uses Creapure, which is a more effective variant of the creatine monohydrate created by the German company AlzChem. Creapure acts faster than other types of creatine, making it more efficient on a per-serving basis.
HMB
Also known as β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate, this is essential to building muscle. It’s a chemical that forms from leucine, an amino acid that’s essential for protein synthesis. When leucine is broken down, HMB is released.
It helps you retain muscle strength and structural composition, which means you’ll be able to enjoy a leaner and more toned physique for longer.
Black Pepper Extract
This ingredient (also known as piperine) comes from ground peppercorn, one of the world’s most popular spices. Beyond its fame as the “king of spices” lies a host of medicinal benefits including anti-inflammatory properties and high amounts of antioxidants.
Creatine HMB uses a brand of piperine called BioPerine, created by the Sabinsa Corporation. BioPerine is a patented black pepper extract that’s primarily used as an enhancer. It’s designed to be mixed in with other supplements instead of being consumed by itself.
BioPerine increases the absorption rate for the supplements it’s mixed with, making sure you get to enjoy their full benefits.
Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB Flavors
Creatine HMB comes in four different variants: Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Blue Raspberry, and unflavored. The flavored versions are great if you want to take the supplement as-is, while the unflavored version is ideal for mixing in other supplements to your drink.
The formula for flavored Creatine HMB also includes 800mg of citric acid, 800mg of malic acid, 300mg of stevia, and 1g of your chosen flavor, all of which are natural ingredients.
The taste of each flavor is mild but distinct nonetheless. Like many flavored health supplements, the actual experience varies from person to person. The main benefit, however, is that the added flavors are not artificial, so you won’t have to worry about messing up your diet.
How and When to Take Creatine HMB
Transparent Labs recommends you take one scoop of Creatine HMB per 4-6 ounces of your drink of choice for maximum effectiveness and serving efficiency. Drink the mixture 30 minutes after working out or right after you wake up in the morning during rest days.
Creatine HMB can be taken alongside food, but be sure not to go over the recommended daily intake. Transparent Labs also recommends that you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated.
Possible Side Effects
Like other health and nutritional supplements, Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB can also cause potential side effects if you go beyond the suggested intake. However, since the supplement only has three primary ingredients, the side effects are more clear-cut and easier to track compared to other products in case they do happen.
Luckily, Creatine HMB has very minimal side effects. HMB and BioPerine are generally safe so long as daily recommendations are followed.
Dehydration is by far the most noticeable side effect of Creatine HMB, which is also why Transparent Labs recommends you drink plenty of water. This is mainly caused by the creatine monohydrate component, making it a common occurrence among all creatine-based products.
Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB Price
StrengthSeries Creatine HMB is a bit on the pricier side of the spectrum, costing $39.99 for a month’s worth of the supplement. Each tub contains 30 servings of Creatine HMB, which equates to roughly $1.30 per serving.
While the price isn’t too daunting, there are other cheaper options on the market. However, the premium price of Creatine HMB is justified by its use of high-quality patented ingredients. And without any artificial additives, it gives you a healthy and safe supplement option for your workouts.
It’s also worth noting that the 2-tub and 3-tub options considerably reduce the price of each container, giving you even more value over time than a single tub would.
What Are Others Saying About It?
This post-workout supplement is backed with clinical research and proven to be effective. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of health supplements in general hinges on several factors. This includes the type of exercise you do, how regularly you work out, and even your genetic composition.
Many of StrengthSeries Creatine HMB’s users praise its effectiveness, noting that the product is able to deliver on its promise of improving strength while preventing muscle loss. They also mention that the absence of artificial sweeteners is a nice touch that goes well with healthy diets.
The supplement has also received praise for its ability to increase energy, allowing people to work out for longer without tiring.
On the other hand, there’s a common review on flavor, mentioning that the taste of the flavored variants (the blue raspberry one in particular) isn’t exactly the best. Users consider it a minor detail though thanks to the existence of a flavorless product.
FAQ:
Is HMB better than Creatine?
As mentioned above, creatine and HMB fulfill two completely different purposes. Creatine improves muscle mass and strength, while HMB slows down muscle loss during post-workout downtime. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, and they’re best taken together.
Is HMB really effective?
A 2018 study found that it does indeed prevent muscle protein breakdown. Its other alleged effects, like prevention of muscle damage and increased muscle strength in trained athletes, requires more evidence.
Final Thoughts:
In this Transparent Labs Creatine HMB review, we note how Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB is a premium supplement that’s supported by solid scientific research and a community of loyal customers. This product is great for those who are just starting out on their fitness journey as well as professionals who are looking to maintain or improve their bodies.
With proven health benefits and very few downsides, StrengthSeries Creatine HMB is definitely worth checking out despite its premium price. However, if you’re on a low budget or you’re not sure whether or not to commit money on supplements yet, then it may be better to go with a more affordable one instead.