Method of using beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate for treating disease-associated wasting

A method of treating disease-associated wasting of a patient comprising administering to the patient a composition comprising:

• a. beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, its salts, metabolites or derivatives thereof;
• b. carnitine;
• and
• c. an amino nitrogen source enriched with large neutral amino acids;
• wherein the composition is substantially lacking in free amino acids;
• and
• wherein the disease-associated wasting is associated with a disease selected from the group consisting of cachexia, cancer, age-associated wasting, wasting associated with long-term hospital stay, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, trauma, liver disease, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, renal insufficiency, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.