Top 10 Benefits of Deer Velvet Antler
Introduction
Deer velvet antler supplements have captured the attention of athletes, bodybuilders, and health enthusiasts worldwide. This ancient remedy, used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years (1), is now making waves in modern wellness circles with bold claims about enhancing athletic performance, boosting immunity, and promoting overall vitality.
But what exactly is deer velvet antler, and do these impressive health claims hold up to scientific scrutiny? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the research, examine the potential benefits and risks, and help you make an informed decision about whether deer velvet antler supplements are right for you.
Deer antler velvet is the soft, fuzzy, protective hair that covers the bone and cartilage of newly grown antlers that haven’t yet calcified, or hardened (2). What makes deer antlers extraordinary is their status as some of the fastest-growing bones in the animal kingdom, with deer and elk shedding and completely regrowing their antlers annually (3, 4).
The supplement is created through a carefully controlled process where young, uncalcified antlers are surgically removed from sedated animals (5). The velvet is then processed, dried, and ground into powder or extract form for consumption.
Today’s health supplement market promotes deer velvet antler for everything from enhanced athletic performance and muscle recovery to improved immunity and anti-aging benefits (6, 7). However, as we’ll explore, the gap between traditional use and modern scientific validation remains significant.
SUMMARY:
- Deer velvet antler supplements are popular among athletes and health enthusiasts, stemming from over 2,000 years of use in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Modern claims suggest benefits like enhanced athletic performance, boosted immunity, and improved vitality.
- Deer antler velvet is the uncalcified, soft, fuzzy covering of new antler growth, notable for being one of the fastest-growing bones in the animal kingdom.
- Supplements are made by surgically removing these young antlers from sedated animals, then processing, drying, and grinding them into powder or extract.
- The supplement market promotes deer velvet antler for various benefits, including athletic performance, muscle recovery, immunity, and anti-aging.
- There’s a significant gap between traditional uses and current scientific validation of these claims.
Deer Velvet Antler Side Effects: What You Need to Know
Before exploring the potential benefits, it’s crucial to understand the possible risks and side effects associated with deer velvet antler supplementation.
Known Side Effects
Currently, there are no known adverse side effects of taking deer antler velvet supplements (8). However, this doesn’t mean the supplements are entirely risk-free. The primary concern stems from the presence of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in deer antler velvet.
IGF-1 Related Side Effects
The supplements typically contain insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which has several known side effects, including (9, 10):
- Headaches: Some users may experience persistent headaches
- Joint pain: Paradoxically, while marketed for joint health, IGF-1 can cause joint discomfort
- Edema or swelling: Fluid retention leading to visible swelling
- Low blood sugar levels: Can be particularly dangerous for diabetics
Safety Concerns and Contamination Risks
One significant concern is the lack of regulation in the supplement industry. These supplements are poorly regulated. Thus, they could be mixed or contaminated with other compounds and substances that cause side effects in some individuals (11).
Some researchers worry that the supplements can be contaminated with harmful pathogens if the antler velvet was harvested from unhealthy animals (12, 13). This contamination risk poses serious health threats, including exposure to:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral pathogens
- Heavy metals
- Unwanted chemical residues
Athletic and Legal Considerations
Keep in mind that IGF-1 is banned by many sports leagues and athletic associations. Thus, if you’re an athlete, using these supplements could be prohibited (14). Athletes should verify supplement compliance with their sport’s regulations before use.
Special Populations at Risk
Due to the lack of studies on the safety and efficacy of deer antler velvet, use extreme caution with the supplement. This holds particularly true if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, immunosuppressed, taking birth control, or on hormone replacement therapy (15).
Top 10 Health Benefits of Deer Velvet Antler
Despite limited human clinical trials, research has identified several potential health benefits of deer velvet antler. Here are the top 10 science-backed benefits:
1. Bone and Cartilage Growth Support
Test-tube studies suggest that antler velvet could treat bone disease and cartilage damage. Plus, one animal study found that it increased femoral bone length and bone enzyme levels (16, 17, 18).
The rapid growth properties of deer antlers translate to potential bone health benefits in humans. Research indicates that bioactive compounds in deer velvet antler may stimulate osteoblast activity (bone-building cells) and support cartilage regeneration (19).
SUMMARY:
- Deer velvet antler contains growth factors and minerals that may support bone density and cartilage repair, though human studies are limited.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Laboratory and animals studies have shown that pilose, a protein found in antler velvet, has an anti-inflammatory effect (20). Multiple recent test-tube studies also support the notion that protein peptides from antler velvet could have anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, and heart-health-promoting properties (21, 22).
The anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce chronic inflammation associated with various health conditions, from arthritis to cardiovascular disease.
SUMMARY:
- Research suggests deer velvet antler contains proteins and peptides with potent anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit overall health.
3. Enhanced Athletic Performance and Endurance
Research suggests that deer antler velvet has a positive effect on athletic performance- including increases in muscular strength, endurance, aerobic capacity and recovery time (23).
However, it’s important to note that these claims are based on one small 2003 study including 38 men where participants showed improved knee strength and endurance over 10 weeks (24).
SUMMARY:
- Limited research suggests potential athletic performance benefits, but more comprehensive human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
4. Immune System Support
Recent findings indicate that deer antler extracts may be effective in anti-microbe, anti-inflammation, immune enhancing, suppressing tumor growth, and supporting wellness (25).
Traditional medicine has long touted deer velvet antler for immune support, and modern research is beginning to validate these claims through studies on immune cell activity and antibody production (26).
SUMMARY:
- Deer velvet antler may enhance immune function through various bioactive compounds, though more human trials are needed.
5. Osteoarthritis Treatment Potential
Antler velvet is also rich in chondroitin sulphate, collagen and glucosamine sulphate. The properties and make-up of the compound could make it a useful treatment in arthritis (27).
Deer antler velvet contains chondroitins, a component of cartilage, which might improve pain levels in people with osteoarthritis (28, 29).
SUMMARY:
- The natural compounds in deer velvet antler, including chondroitin and glucosamine, may help reduce arthritis symptoms and support joint health.
6. Anti-Fatigue and Energy Enhancement
Studies have tried giving mice antler velvet supplements. They found that the more nucleosides the supplements contain, the faster mice swam. This indicates improved strength and reduced fatigue (30, 31).
Deer velvet contains organic molecules called nucleosides, which are the building blocks of DNA. These might be responsible for antler velvet’s touted anti-fatigue effects (32).
SUMMARY:
- Nucleosides in deer velvet antler may help reduce fatigue and improve energy levels, though human studies are limited.
7. Antioxidant Protection
A sample of velvet antlers from the Formosan sambar deer, which are native to Taiwan, was found to contain multiple enzymes with antioxidant properties. These included superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (33).
These powerful antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with free radical damage (34).
Summary Deer velvet antler contains natural antioxidant enzymes that may help protect against cellular damage and support overall health.
SUMMARY:
- Deer velvet antler contains natural antioxidant enzymes that may help protect against cellular damage and support overall health.
8. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Multiple test-tube and mouse studies have observed that antler velvet supplements exhibit anti-tumor and anti-cancer activity (35, 36, 37).
While these findings are preliminary and limited to laboratory studies, they suggest that certain compounds in deer velvet antler may have cancer-fighting properties (38).
SUMMARY:
- Early research indicates potential anti-cancer properties, but extensive human clinical trials are needed before any definitive claims can be made.
9. Hair Growth and Skin Health
A few mouse, human, and test-tube studies have found that deer antler velvet supplements could stimulate skin and hair cells. Therefore, they could potentially improve hair growth and skin health (39, 40).
The growth factors present in deer antler velvet may stimulate cellular regeneration in skin and hair follicles, potentially leading to improved appearance and health (41).
SUMMARY:
- Limited studies suggest deer velvet antler may promote hair growth and skin health through cellular stimulation, though more research is needed.
10. Cardiovascular Health Support
Multiple recent test-tube studies also support the notion that protein peptides from antler velvet could have anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, and heart-health-promoting properties (42, 43).
The heart-protective properties may stem from the supplement’s anti-inflammatory effects and its potential ability to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels (44).
SUMMARY:
- Research suggests deer velvet antler may support cardiovascular health through anti-inflammatory mechanisms and other heart-protective properties.
The Bottom Line
Deer velvet antler represents an intriguing intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science. While traditional medicine has celebrated its benefits for millennia, contemporary research is only beginning to uncover the mechanisms behind its potential therapeutic effects.
The scientific evidence, while promising in laboratory and animal studies, remains limited when it comes to human clinical trials. Seven RCTs were identified for rheumatoid arthritis (2), osteoarthritis (1), sexual function (1), and sporting performance enhancement (3). Their methodological quality ranged from 3-5, as measured on the Jadad scale. Two RCTs reported some positive effects of velvet antler supplements, but neither were convincing while the remaining five RCTs found no effect of velvet antler supplements (45).
Key Takeaways:
- Limited Human Evidence: Most research is based on test-tube and animal studies (46)
- Safety Profile: Generally considered safe, but IGF-1 content may cause side effects (47)
- Athletic Use: Banned by many sports organizations due to IGF-1 content (48)
- Quality Concerns: Supplement regulation is minimal, raising contamination risks (49)
- Traditional Use: Extensive historical use in traditional medicine systems (50)
Who Should Consider Deer Velvet Antler:
- Individuals seeking natural joint support
- Those interested in traditional medicine approaches
- People looking for potential immune system support
Who Should Avoid It:
- Competitive athletes in regulated sports
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions
- Those on blood sugar medications
Dosage Considerations: Most supplement manufacturers recommend a daily dose for their product — typically 500–1000 mg (51). However, consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation is strongly recommended.
The future of deer velvet antler research looks promising, but consumers should maintain realistic expectations and prioritize safety over unproven claims.
Author
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, PhD in Nutritional Sciences Dr. Mitchell is a certified nutritionist with over 15 years of experience in supplement research and traditional medicine analysis. She holds a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from Stanford University and has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles on natural health supplements. Her research focuses on bridging the gap between traditional medicine and evidence-based nutrition science.
Credentials: PhD Nutritional Sciences, Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Member of the American Society for Nutrition
Comments
Have you tried deer velvet antler supplements? Share your experience in the comments below. Please note that individual experiences may vary, and this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
Leave a Comment:
- What brought you to research deer velvet antler?
- Have you noticed any benefits or side effects?
- What questions do you still have about this supplement?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is deer velvet antler safe to take daily?
A: While no major adverse effects have been reported in healthy adults (52), daily use should be approached with caution. The IGF-1 content may cause side effects in some individuals, and long-term safety data is limited. Consult your healthcare provider before starting daily supplementation.
Q: How long does it take to see results from deer velvet antler?
A: Based on the limited human studies available, benefits may be noticed within 4-10 weeks of consistent use (53). However, individual responses vary significantly, and some people may not experience noticeable effects.
Q: Can deer velvet antler help with muscle building?
A: While one small study suggested improvements in knee strength (54), there’s insufficient evidence to support claims that deer velvet antler significantly enhances muscle building compared to established methods like proper nutrition and resistance training.
Q: Is deer velvet antler legal in sports?
A: No, deer velvet antler is banned by many athletic organizations including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to its IGF-1 content (55). Athletes should avoid this supplement to prevent potential competition disqualification.
Q: What’s the difference between deer antler velvet and regular deer antler?
A: Deer antler velvet is the soft, living tissue that covers growing antlers before they calcify (56). Regular deer antler refers to the hard, calcified bone structure. The velvet contains the bioactive compounds believed to provide health benefits.
Q: Can I take deer velvet antler with other supplements?
A: While no major interactions are documented, deer velvet antler may affect blood sugar levels and hormone balance (57). Consult your healthcare provider before combining it with other supplements, especially those affecting insulin, growth hormones, or blood sugar.
Q: How is deer velvet antler harvested?
A: The velvet is surgically removed from sedated deer or elk during their natural antler growth cycle (58). The animals are not harmed during this process, though some individuals have ethical concerns about this practice.
Q: What should I look for when buying deer velvet antler supplements?
A: Look for products from reputable manufacturers that provide third-party testing results, clear ingredient lists, and proper manufacturing certifications (59). Avoid products making exaggerated health claims or those significantly cheaper than market average.
Q: Can deer velvet antler cure arthritis?
A: No supplement can “cure” arthritis. While deer velvet antler contains compounds that may support joint health (60), it should be viewed as a complementary approach alongside conventional medical treatment, not a replacement.
Q: Are there any natural alternatives to deer velvet antler?
A: For joint health, consider glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, or omega-3 fatty acids. For athletic performance, creatine and beta-alanine have stronger scientific support (61). Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
