At least HMB had peer reviewed published studies. I've heard promises of "steroid replacements", anyone remember dibenzocide, since I started seriously training in 1992. The closest we've come were the "pro-steroids" which were/are actual steroids, not replacements. Unless experienced trainers are gaining 10lbs in eight weeks it certainly isn't a replacement. My first cycle was three amps of sten per week for two weeks and I gained twelve pounds and kept ten; That's a pretty high standard to meeet.