Deer antler velvet information, FAQ and product listing page. This page contains information and frequently asked questions about deer antler velvet, as well as a complete list of products containing deer antler velvet.
Quick jump to the sub-sections on this page:
What is deer antler velvet and what does it do?
Deer antler velvet is a name that is used to describe the antler velvet that is harvested and extracted from the antlers of a moose, elk, caribou, or deer that is growing. Rest assured, no harm is caused to the animal when removed, because the antlers are removed from the animal before they solidify into solid bone.
Deer antler contains calcium, zinc, magnesium, as well as a wide variety of amino acids. Most of the deer antler velvet sold on the market today as a supplement comes from Australia or Korea.
Deer antler velvet has also been used in China for well over two centuries.
What are the benefits of taking deer antler velvet?
Deer antler velvet is a solid source of collagen, chondroitin, and glucosamine. Our bodies use the glucosamine found in deer antler velvet to manufacture glycosaminoglycans, an item that can be found in cartilage tissue which supports joint health.
You can also find male an female hormones in deer antler velvet, which includes the growth factor IGF-1, something very similar to insulin. IGF-1 (somatomedin C) is a hormone that is produced in the liver as a response to growth hormone stimulation.
Who can benefit from taking deer antler velvet?
Any healthy adults may benefit from taking deer antler velvet.
How much deer antler velvet should I take?
Because deer antler velvet is a not an essential nutrient, no daily requirement (RDA) exists for the supplement.
Does deer antler velvet have any side effects?
Those that are susceptible to allergies may experience side effects. Otherwise, there are no known reported side effects at the time of writing (April 2008). If you are unsure, consult your doctor before taking it.
References:
Sources used:Yudin AM, et al. A guide for the preparation and storage of uncalcified male antlers as a medicinal raw material. In: Reindeer Antlers, Academy of Sciences of the USSR. 1974 Vladiostock: Far East Science Center.Wang BX. Advances in the research of the chemistry, pharmacology and clinical application of pilose antler. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Deer Products, Changchun, People's Republic of China, 1996:14-32.Ledbetter WB. Cell matrix response in tendon injury. Clin Sports Med 1992;11(3):533-78.
