A Pilot Study of HME Amino Acid Supplementation on Strength, Performance, and Recovery in Trained Adult Males

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * 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 * Habitual protein intake 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg/day confirmed by 7-day food diary at screening * Current creatine users willing to use study-provided creatine monohydrate 5 g/day; non-users willing not to initiate creatine during the trial * Able to provide written informed consent in English * Willing and able to attend all supervised training sessions and assessment visits for 10 weeks * Access to a digital kitchen scale or willing to obtain one for food-record completion Exclusion Criteria: * 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 * Any medical condition, medication, or dietary restriction that in the Medical Officer's opinion would affect the safety or validity of participation * Participation in another intervention study within 4 weeks of screening * Unwillingness to standardize creatine intake per protocol (current users) or to abstain from initiating creatine (non-users)