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A groundbreaking clinical trial in the UK is exploring the possibility of using a dietary supplement, commonly used for muscle growth, to improve the quality of life and physical function of patients with cirrhosis. The supplement, Β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB), is traditionally taken by athletes to enhance muscle mass and combat muscle loss due to aging or illness. Now, researchers aim to assess its potential as a treatment for chronic liver disease.
The study, known as the BOOST trial, will evaluate whether HMB can enhance liver function, reduce frailty, and improve the overall well-being of individuals suffering from cirrhosis. This condition, which occurs due to scarring of the liver, affects approximately 60,000 people across the UK and is often linked to harmful alcohol use or fatty liver disease. In severe cases, cirrhosis may require a liver transplant or ongoing symptom management.
Currently, there is no direct treatment to halt or reverse cirrhosis. As the disease progresses, it leads to significant health complications, with more than 75,000 hospital admissions annually in the UK alone, contributing to an estimated cost of £17 billion to the NHS.
The BOOST Study: A Hopeful Investigation
The BOOST trial is a collaboration between the University of Plymouth, University of Southampton, and Imperial College London. The research team, comprised of experts in hepatology, dietetics, and immunology, aims to determine whether HMB supplementation could offer a safe and effective treatment option for cirrhosis patients. The trial is managed by the Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit (PenCTU) and is funded by £500,000 from the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR) Research for Patient Benefit program.
The study will run until 2027, with 124 patients with cirrhosis recruited from eight hospital outpatient clinics in England, including areas where liver disease is more prevalent. Participants will be randomly assigned to either take HMB or a placebo twice a day for 12 weeks, followed by a further 12 weeks of follow-up. Throughout the study, the researchers will measure the Liver Frailty Index—assessing physical strength and function—along with other indicators such as liver function and quality of life.
A Personal Approach to Trial Design
Incorporating the perspectives of patients with lived experience of cirrhosis has been a key element in designing the trial. Early in the study, meetings were held with patients to discuss their experiences and the specific benefits they hoped to achieve through participation. Lesley Manning, a member of the project team, shared her personal experience of living with advanced cirrhosis and the challenges of managing symptoms. Manning, who has received a liver transplant, emphasized the importance of simple, safe interventions like HMB that could improve the lives of those with liver disease.
Dr. Ashwin Dhanda, Associate Professor in Hepatology at the University of Plymouth and Consultant in Hepatology at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, serves as the Chief Investigator of the project. He emphasized that cirrhosis is a condition that severely impacts both physical and mental health. While several treatments are in development, HMB could potentially address a critical gap in available care.
“The trial will allow us to test whether HMB can truly deliver meaningful benefits for patients with cirrhosis, without any adverse side effects,” said Dr. Dhanda. “This could be a game-changer for people with liver disease and their families.”
A Step Towards Improved Care for Liver Disease Patients
The BOOST trial represents a promising step forward in the treatment of liver disease. If successful, HMB supplementation could offer an effective, low-cost option for improving the lives of individuals with cirrhosis, a condition for which treatment options remain limited.
The research team hopes that the trial will provide valuable insights into how the supplement can be safely integrated into clinical care, giving patients a greater sense of hope and control over their condition.
Disclaimer: This clinical trial is still ongoing and has not yet been concluded. Results are not guaranteed, and the potential effectiveness of HMB in treating cirrhosis is yet to be proven. Patients should always consult with healthcare professionals before considering any new treatment or supplement.
