Advanced Muscle Plus: ABN’s Muscle Building Formula with 2g DL185 Dileucine

Advanced Muscle Plus from Advanced Bionutritionals features 2g of research-backed dileucine (DL185™) and 1.5g myHMB® to combat age-related muscle loss. Studies show dileucine outperforms standard leucine by 60% for muscle protein synthesis, with proven strength gains in trained individuals over 40.

The muscle building supplement landscape has been transformed by breakthrough peptide research, and Advanced Bionutritionals (ABN) has responded with Advanced Muscle Plus, a clinical-grade muscle building formula that targets the core mechanisms of age-related muscle loss. This powerful supplement combines 2 grams of NNB Nutrition’s research-backed dileucine (DL185™) with 1.5 grams of myHMB® from TSI Group to address what many consider the most critical challenge facing adults over 40: maintaining and building muscle mass.

Advanced Muscle Plus distinguishes itself from typical muscle building supplements by focusing on trained individuals and clinical populations, rather than relying on studies conducted only in untrained participants. The formulation addresses the biological reality that muscle building becomes increasingly difficult with age, not due to some inevitable decline, but because key muscle-building pathways like mTOR become less responsive to standard protein intake and exercise.

For those seeking a scientifically-driven approach to muscle preservation and growth, Advanced Muscle Plus represents a significant advancement in amino acid supplementation technology. The formula’s foundation rests on peer-reviewed research published in prestigious journals, demonstrating real-world effectiveness in populations that mirror the supplement’s target demographic.

Stay updated on the latest developments in muscle building research and Advanced Muscle Plus by signing up for our news alerts, then let’s get into the science:

Advanced Muscle Plus Ingredients

• DL185™ Dileucine – 2,000mg

  The star ingredient in Advanced Muscle Plus is DL185™ dileucine, a revolutionary peptide from NNB Nutrition that represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in muscle building research in recent years. Unlike other new peptide ingredients or traditional amino acid supplements that rely on preliminary or unpublished research, dileucine’s efficacy is already supported by multiple peer-reviewed studies published in top-tier scientific journals.

  What Makes Dileucine Superior to Standard Leucine

  Dileucine is a specialized peptide composed of two leucine molecules bonded together, creating a compound that outperforms its individual components.^[1] This isn’t just theoretical – the research demonstrates that our bodies actively create dileucine from leucine, suggesting there’s a compelling biological reason for this process.

  To understand why dileucine is such a breakthrough, it’s essential to recognize the fundamental limitations of standard leucine supplementation. While leucine has long been recognized as the primary amino acid responsible for activating muscle protein synthesis through the mTOR pathway,^[2] conventional leucine supplementation faces several critical barriers that become more pronounced with age.

  The enhanced effectiveness of dileucine stems from its unique absorption pathway. While standard leucine relies on amino acid transporters that can become saturated, dileucine utilizes the specialized PepT1 transporter system in the intestines. This allows for absorption rates up to 185% faster than conventional leucine, which explains the “185” in the DL185™ name.^[3]

  The Age-Related Leucine Resistance Challenge

  

  DL185 Dileucine by NNB Nutrition is a groundbreaking pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic agent, perfect for anti-aging and longevity. With superior absorption and muscle protein synthesis, it offers better muscle protection, making it a key ingredient in future supplement offerings.

  One of the most significant discoveries in muscle metabolism research has been the identification of “leucine resistance” — the phenomenon where older adults require substantially higher amounts of leucine to achieve the same muscle protein synthesis response as younger individuals.^[4] This groundbreaking research demonstrated that while young adults can achieve optimal muscle protein synthesis with 26% leucine content in their amino acid intake, elderly individuals require 41% leucine to achieve the same anabolic response.

  This leucine resistance helps explain why traditional protein supplementation often fails to deliver meaningful results for adults over 40. The research showed that elderly participants consuming the standard 26% leucine mixture experienced no significant increase in muscle protein synthesis, while the same individuals showed robust anabolic responses when given the leucine-enriched formula.^[4] This finding revolutionized our understanding of age-related muscle loss and highlighted the critical need for more effective leucine delivery systems.

  The clinical implications are profound. Traditional leucine supplementation strategies that work effectively in younger populations often prove inadequate for the demographic most in need of muscle preservation and growth. This is where dileucine’s superior absorption and utilization characteristics become game-changing: By delivering more bioavailable leucine per gram consumed, dileucine can help overcome the age-related barriers that limit conventional supplementation effectiveness.

  The Gold Standard Research: Trained Individuals, Not Beginners

  One of the most significant advantages of the dileucine research is its focus on trained individuals, a population that’s notoriously difficult to show improvements in. The landmark 2024 study published in PLOS ONE examined 32 resistance-trained males with an average age of 28.4 years over 10 weeks of supplementation and training.^[5]

  

  This study design addresses a critical flaw in much supplement research. As noted in comprehensive reviews of leucine research, many studies showing positive effects are conducted in untrained beginners who would likely improve from almost any intervention.^[6] The real test of a supplement’s effectiveness comes from demonstrating benefits in people who already have training experience and established strength levels – exactly what the dileucine research accomplished.

  This research quality distinction is crucial because it addresses the fundamental challenge identified in leucine research: while the amino acid has clear mechanistic benefits through mTOR pathway activation,^[2] translating these mechanisms into real-world performance improvements in trained individuals has proven difficult with conventional approaches.

  Remarkable Research Results

  The research results for dileucine have been consistently impressive across multiple studies:

  • Muscle Protein Synthesis Enhancement: In the foundational 2021 study, dileucine increased muscle protein synthesis by approximately 160% compared to baseline and 60% more than an equivalent dose of leucine.^[1] This is a significant advantage over traditional leucine supplementation.
  • Strength Improvements: The 2024 PLOS ONE study demonstrated that dileucine supplementation led to significantly greater increases in leg press strength compared to placebo, with improvements ranging from 5.8 to 73.2 kg.^[5] Importantly, standard leucine supplementation showed no significant benefits over placebo in the same study.
  • Enhanced Muscular Endurance: Beyond strength gains, dileucine supplementation improved muscular endurance, with participants completing significantly more repetitions to failure compared to the leucine group.^[5]

  Research Quality and Integrity

  

  Groundbreaking research published in PLOS ONE demonstrates NNB Nutrition’s DL185 dileucine boosts lower body strength more effectively than leucine. 2g daily improved leg press strength and muscular endurance in 10-week study. Science continues supporting this novel ingredient.

  The research supporting dileucine stands out for its methodological rigor and independence. Unlike some peptide research in the supplement industry, the dileucine studies were conducted by independent research teams, not by the ingredient manufacturers themselves. The studies employed proper randomization, double-blind protocols, and placebo controls — the gold standard for supplement research.

  The 2024 PLOS ONE publication is the first peer-reviewed research examining dileucine’s effects on resistance training adaptations, validating earlier preliminary findings. This progression from conference presentations to peer-reviewed publication demonstrates the scientific rigor behind the ingredient.

  Optimal Dosing Strategy

  Advanced Muscle Plus provides exactly 2 grams of dileucine per serving, which aligns perfectly with the dosing used in the successful clinical trials. This isn’t an arbitrary amount, it’s the dose that has shown to be effective in peer-reviewed research. The 2-gram dose proved more effective than an equivalent amount of leucine, demonstrating the superior efficiency of this novel peptide.

  The research suggests that this dosing provides optimal mTOR pathway activation without requiring the massive doses often needed with traditional amino acid supplements. This makes dileucine both practical and cost-effective for long-term supplementation.

  Mechanisms of Action

  Dileucine’s superior performance stems from multiple mechanisms:

  

  • Enhanced Absorption: The PepT1 transporter system allows for more efficient uptake compared to standard amino acid transporters used by free leucine.
  • Superior Muscle Uptake: Research demonstrates that dileucine supplementation results in higher intramuscular leucine concentrations compared to free leucine supplementation.
  • Potent mTOR Activation: Both leucine and dileucine activate the mTOR pathway, but dileucine creates a more robust anabolic response, as evidenced by greater increases in muscle protein synthesis rates.
  • Sustained Availability: The peptide structure may lead to more sustained amino acid availability, potentially extending the anabolic window compared to free leucine.

  You can learn more in our article, “DL185 Dileucine: NNB Nutrition’s Exclusive Muscle Building Peptide“ or watch our podcast, “Chad Kerksick: Researching Dileucine, Dihydroberberine, & GLP-1 (2 of 2) | Episode #142“.

• myHMB® – 1,500mg

  Advanced Muscle Plus features 1.5 grams of myHMB® from TSI Group, the premier research-backed form of β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB). This potent leucine metabolite has emerged as one of the most well-validated anti-catabolic compounds in sports nutrition, with decades of clinical research demonstrating its ability to preserve muscle mass, accelerate recovery, and enhance training adaptations across diverse populations.

  The Science Behind HMB: More Than Just Anti-Catabolic

  HMB represents a fascinating example of how our bodies optimize amino acid metabolism for muscle preservation. As a natural metabolite of leucine, HMB serves as a crucial signaling molecule that activates many of the same anabolic pathways as its parent compound, but with enhanced stability and targeted effects.^[7]

  

  How HMB Works

  The primary mechanism underlying HMB’s effectiveness centers on its dual action: stimulating muscle protein synthesis while simultaneously suppressing muscle protein breakdown. This dual mechanism sets HMB apart from many other muscle-building ingredients that primarily focus on only one side of the muscle protein balance equation.^[7]

  Research demonstrates that HMB activates the critical mTOR pathway (the same anabolic signaling cascade targeted by leucine and dileucine) but through an independent mechanism that doesn’t rely on the leucine-sensing pathway.^[7] This unique activation pattern allows HMB to complement rather than compete with other leucine-based ingredients, making it an ideal partner to the dileucine in Advanced Muscle Plus.

  Research-Validated Benefits Across Training Populations

  Unlike many ingredients that show promise only in untrained individuals, HMB has demonstrated effectiveness across a broad spectrum of training populations. The 2024 ISSN position stand on HMB confirms that while untrained individuals may see more dramatic strength improvements, trained athletes still benefit from HMB’s recovery-enhancing properties and improved training adaptations over longer supplementation periods.^[7]

  The research consistently shows that HMB supplementation at 38 mg/kg body weight (approximately 3 grams for most adults) can improve body composition through increased lean mass and decreased fat mass, with benefits observed across age groups, biological sex, and baseline training status.^[7] The most pronounced improvements occur in studies featuring robust resistance training programs and controlled dietary conditions – exactly the type of serious training regimen where Advanced Muscle Plus would be most beneficial.

  The Vitamin D Connection: Unlocking HMB’s Full Potential

  

  One of the most significant discoveries in HMB research involves its synergistic relationship with vitamin D status. Advanced Muscle Plus includes 20mcg of vitamin D3, and this combination isn’t arbitrary: It’s based on compelling research showing that adequate vitamin D levels may be necessary to achieve optimal benefits from HMB supplementation.

  The critical importance of this relationship was first discovered through a retrospective analysis of a year-long study examining HMB, arginine, and lysine supplementation in older adults.^[8] While the original study by Baier et al. showed that HMB supplementation increased lean body mass regardless of vitamin D status, strength improvements only occurred in participants with sufficient vitamin D levels (≥30 ng/mL).^[9]

  The Fuller study showed some striking results: HMB-supplemented participants with adequate vitamin D status achieved a remarkable 59.2 ft-lbs increase in leg strength over 12 months, which was a 21% net gain compared to all other groups. In contrast, HMB-supplemented participants with insufficient vitamin D status (<30 ng/mL) gained only 11.1 ft-lbs, showing no statistical improvement over placebo.^[8]

  Building on these findings, a landmark 12-month study directly tested the HMB plus vitamin D3 combination in older adults, revealing remarkable results even in non-exercising participants.^[10] The combination increased serum vitamin D levels to sufficient ranges (30-100 ng/mL) and was associated with improvements in lean body mass, strength, and muscle function in sedentary older adults, while also preventing the decline in leg extension peak torque that typically occurs with aging.

  Beyond Muscle Building: Recovery and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

  

  Visualization of leg press strength improvements showing significantly greater gains in the dileucine group (p=0.02) compared to placebo and leucine.^[5]

  HMB’s benefits extend beyond simple muscle building into the realm of enhanced recovery and reduced exercise-induced muscle damage. Research demonstrates that HMB supplementation can significantly reduce markers of muscle damage and accelerate recovery between training sessions.^[7]

  These recovery benefits appear to stem from HMB’s anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to stabilize muscle cell membranes during intense exercise. Studies show that HMB consumption in close proximity to exercise can increase muscle protein synthesis while attenuating the inflammatory response, creating an optimal environment for training adaptations.^[7]

  Clinical Dosing for Real-World Results

  Advanced Muscle Plus provides 1.5 grams of myHMB per serving, representing half of the clinically studied 3-gram daily dose used in the majority of successful HMB trials. This strategic dosing fits in the capsules, and allows users to customize their HMB intake based on their specific needs and body weight, with the option to take two servings daily to achieve the full research-supported dose.

  The calcium-bound form of HMB (myHMB) used in Advanced Muscle Plus offers superior stability and bioavailability compared to generic HMB sources. TSI Group’s myHMB has been specifically used in numerous clinical trials, ensuring that users receive the same high-quality ingredient that produced the published research results.

  Synergistic Effects with Advanced Muscle Plus Formula

  

  Graph demonstrating superior improvements in leg press endurance with dileucine supplementation versus leucine and placebo groups.^[5]

  The combination of myHMB with dileucine and vitamin D3 in Advanced Muscle Plus creates a well-rounded approach to muscle protein metabolism. While dileucine provides enhanced mTOR activation and superior leucine delivery, HMB contributes complementary anti-catabolic effects and recovery enhancement. The vitamin D3 ensures optimal conditions for both ingredients to function at their full potential.

  This multi-faceted approach addresses the reality that muscle building, especially with age, requires more than just anabolic stimulation – it requires a coordinated strategy that simultaneously promotes muscle protein synthesis, minimizes breakdown, accelerates recovery, and optimizes the hormonal environment for growth. Advanced Muscle Plus delivers exactly this type of comprehensive muscle-building support through its scientifically-designed ingredient combination.

• Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol) – 20mcg (100% DV)

  As discussed above, Advanced Muscle Plus includes 20mcg (800 IU) of vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol, providing 100% of the Daily Value for this essential nutrient. While often overlooked in muscle-building formulations, vitamin D3 serves as a critical cofactor that can determine whether other ingredients achieve their full potential, making it an indispensable component of any serious muscle preservation and growth strategy.

  The Muscle-Vitamin D Connection

  

  Oral dileucine increased muscle protein synthesis.^[1]

  Vitamin D’s role in muscle health extends far beyond its well-known functions in bone metabolism. Research has established vitamin D as an independent risk factor for accelerated muscle loss, poor physical performance, and increased fall risk in older adults.^[10] This connection becomes even more critical when considering that vitamin D insufficiency affects 50-75% of older adults despite ongoing efforts to encourage screening and replacement therapy.

  The relationship between vitamin D status and muscle function appears to be dose-dependent. Studies consistently show that adults with vitamin D insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) present with more functional limitations than those maintaining sufficient levels (>30 ng/mL). Even more concerning, vitamin D insufficiency has been associated with increased functional limitations over time, with effects becoming apparent as early as 3-6 years of follow-up.^[10]

  Vitamin D as a Muscle-Building Bottleneck

  Perhaps the most significant discovery regarding vitamin D and muscle health came from retrospective analysis of HMB supplementation studies discussed above. Researchers found that the effectiveness of muscle-building supplements could be entirely dependent on vitamin D status, creating what essentially functions as a “bottleneck” in the muscle-building process.^[8]

  Molecular Mechanisms of Vitamin D in Muscle Function

  The molecular basis for vitamin D’s muscle-building effects involves multiple pathways beyond simple mineral homeostasis. Research indicates that vitamin D enhances the anabolic effects of leucine and leucine metabolites like HMB through direct effects on muscle protein synthesis signaling. Studies using muscle cell cultures demonstrate that the anabolic effects of leucine plus insulin are significantly greater when vitamin D is present, suggesting a direct synergistic interaction at the cellular level.^[10]

  

  Chad Kerksick finishes his 2-part podcast series on the PricePlow Podcast in Episode #142 to discuss his research done on NNB Nutrition ingredients like DL185 dileucine and GlucoVantage dihydroberberine. We also talk study design and targeting new research areas like GLP-1.

  Additionally, vitamin D appears to influence muscle quality at the tissue level. Research shows that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with greater intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) infiltration, which is the accumulation of fat within muscle tissue that impairs contractile function. Even in younger populations, vitamin D insufficiency correlates with increased “fatty muscle” infiltration, suggesting that adequate vitamin D status helps maintain muscle tissue quality throughout the lifespan.^[10]

  Practical Dosing Strategy

  Advanced Muscle Plus provides 20mcg (800 IU) of vitamin D3, representing 100% of the Daily Value. While this dose supports basic vitamin D requirements, the research suggests that achieving optimal vitamin D status for muscle-building purposes may require higher blood levels than traditionally recommended. The clinical studies showing synergistic effects with muscle-building ingredients consistently used the threshold of 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D as the minimum for optimal benefits.

  For individuals with known vitamin D insufficiency or those living in regions with limited sun exposure, additional vitamin D supplementation beyond the amount in Advanced Muscle Plus may be beneficial. However, the inclusion of vitamin D3 in the formula ensures that users receive this critical cofactor alongside their muscle-building ingredients, maximizing the potential for synergistic effects.

  Integration with Advanced Muscle Plus Formula

  

  The inclusion of vitamin D3 in Advanced Muscle Plus represents recognition that muscle building is a complex process requiring multiple nutritional cofactors. By providing vitamin D3 alongside dileucine and myHMB, the formula addresses the reality that even the most potent muscle-building ingredients may fail to deliver optimal results if vitamin D status is inadequate.

  This comprehensive approach acknowledges that muscle preservation and growth, especially with aging, requires more than just protein synthesis stimulation – it demands optimization of the entire physiological environment for muscle adaptation. The vitamin D3 component ensures that users can achieve the vitamin D sufficiency necessary to unlock the full potential of the formula’s other research-backed ingredients.

How to Use Advanced Muscle Plus

Advanced Muscle Plus is designed for flexible dosing that accommodates different training schedules and lifestyle preferences. The research-backed 6-capsule serving provides the clinically effective doses of each ingredient used in the successful studies.

• Post-Workout Protocol: Take 6 capsules immediately after your workout to maximize the anabolic response. The post-exercise period represents the optimal window for muscle protein synthesis activation, and dileucine can enhance this natural process significantly.
• Rest Day Protocol: On non-training days, take 6 capsules with your first meal of the day. This helps maintain elevated muscle protein synthesis even when you’re not training, supporting recovery and muscle preservation.
• Timing Considerations: While the supplement can be taken with or without food, many users prefer taking it post-workout when the stomach may be more settled. The research studies didn’t specify food timing, suggesting flexibility in administration.
• Consistency is Key: For optimal results, maintain consistent daily supplementation. The research studies that demonstrated significant benefits used daily dosing over 10-week periods, emphasizing the importance of regular use rather than sporadic supplementation.
• Stacking Opportunities: Advanced Muscle Plus can be effectively combined with other supplements including creatine monohydrate, pre-workout formulas, and post-workout recovery products. The dileucine won’t interfere with these supplements and may actually enhance the overall anabolic response to training.

Conclusion: Next-Generation Muscle Building Science

Advanced Muscle Plus is a significant advancement in muscle building supplementation targeting older individuals, combining cutting-edge peptide technology with established muscle preservation compounds. The 2-gram dose of DL185™ dileucine isn’t just another amino acid supplement, it’s a research-backed ingredient that has demonstrated superior effects compared to traditional leucine in rigorous clinical trials.

What sets Advanced Muscle Plus apart is its foundation in high-quality research conducted in trained individuals, not just beginners who would see improvements from almost any intervention. The peer-reviewed studies published in prestigious journals like PLOS ONE demonstrate real-world effectiveness in populations that mirror the supplement’s target demographic.

For individuals over 40 who are serious about maintaining and building muscle mass, Advanced Muscle Plus offers a scientifically-driven solution to age-related muscle challenges. The combination of enhanced muscle protein synthesis, improved strength gains, and superior muscular endurance makes this formula ideal for those who want proven results, not just marketing promises.

The supplement industry has long been criticized for relying on preliminary research and untrained populations to demonstrate efficacy. Advanced Muscle Plus breaks this pattern by utilizing ingredients with robust research foundations and clinical validation in the populations most likely to use the product.

As the research on dileucine continues to expand, we expect to see even more applications and benefits discovered. For now, Advanced Muscle Plus provides access to this breakthrough technology in a practical, research-backed formulation that delivers on its muscle building promises.