Can a simple supplement reverse muscle wasting in liver disease?

NCT ID NCT05166499

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: The Cleveland Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a special mix of amino acids with HMB can help reverse muscle loss in people with cirrhosis. Muscle loss is common in cirrhosis and can make patients weaker and increase risks before and after liver transplant. The trial will give participants either the HMB-enriched supplement or a balanced amino acid mix for 3 months and measure changes in muscle protein synthesis.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Hydroxy Methyl Butyrate (HMB) and essential amino acids
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a treatment to reverse muscle loss in cirrhosis, potentially improving quality of life and outcomes before and after liver transplant.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 24 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The supplement may not significantly improve muscle mass or function.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cirrhosis of liver

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CIRRHOSIS, LIVER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cleveland Clinic
RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

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