deer antler velvet

Thanks to Ray Lewis, deer antler velvet has taken center stage during the Superbowl. Although the media is primarily concerned if Ray really did use it, most of us are asking a different question. Does it work?

As Confitdent’s resident Supplement Doc, I love to explore studies and break down the basics for everyone to further understand supplements or products like Deer Antler Velvet. For this particular case, I’m happy to share some of the information that I have collected while breaking out key takeaways for us to better digest the benefits or lack thereof when it comes to Deer Antler Velvet.

Although I will admit I have very little experience with deer antler velvet, I did spend the morning perusing Pubmed to see if it had a “a leg to stand on.” After about 6 hours of reading through various studies and journals, the answer is a resounding no.

>>> Supplements You Should Be Taking: Protein Powder

>>> D-Aspartic Acid: Testosterone Boosting Supplement

>>> Whey Protein Profile: Muscle Building Supplement

Here are a few conclusions researchers made in the relatively few studies I could find (I apologize ahead of time for the citations. Technically, they are not correct, but I’ve given you enough information to find the studies):

Deer Antler Velvet Studies

deer antler velvet

Claims made for velvet antler supplements do not appear to be based upon rigorous research from human trials, although for osteoarthritis the findings may have some promise. – The New Zealand Medical Journal, “Health benefits of deer and elk velvet antler supplements: a systematic review of randomised controlled studies.”

EVA (Elk Velvet Antler) supplementation does not significantly improve rowing performance nor alter hormonal responses at rest or after acute exercise than training alone. – International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, “Effect of elk velvet antler supplementation on the hormonal response to acute and chronic exercise in male and female rowers.”

Although some patients reported clinical improvements in their symptoms, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. Overall, elk velvet antler does not effectively manage residual symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. – Biological Research for Nursing, “A randomized clinical trial of elk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritis.”

Further, the inconsistent findings regarding the effects of deer antler velvet powder supplementation on the development of strength suggests that further work is required to test the robustness of the observation that this supplement enhances the strength training response and to ensure this observation is not a type I error. – International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science, “The effects of deer antler velvet extract or powder supplementation on aerobic power, erythropoiesis, and muscular strength and endurance characteristics.”

Side note: Although this study did reach statistical significance in strength and endurance measurements, blood levels of testosterone, insulin-like growth factor, and erythropoietin did not change. Thus, I’d be willing to say chance played a significant factor in the strength and endurance measurements.

And the one bright spot evaluating wounds in rats….

This study indicates that topical treatment with an EVA water-soluble extract accelerates repair of cutaneous wounds in diabetic rats. – Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, “Effects of topical elk velvet antler on cutaneous wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.”

Side note: I didn’t find a follow-up study to this so I wouldn’t get real excited.

Deer Antler Velvet Hype

It’s all about regeneration. Deer are the only mammals that are capable of regenerating an organ. And it’s just not a small organ. It can be as big as 60lbs. That’s impressive, really impressive.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to hypothesize there are probably a few cool things going on within the antler during those periods of rapid growth.  That hypothesis would be correct. A hormonal symphony ensues with testosterone, estradiol, Vitamin D, T3 and T4, cortisol, prolactin, and most importantly, IGF-1 playing active, yet still not completely understood roles. There’s also a handful of various growth factors that aid in the rapid growth.

So what does an aspiring entrepreneur see? Dollar signs! All the magic words have been spoken: regeneration, testosterone, and IGF-1.

The problem is humans aren’t deer. We just can’t grind up something and drink it (or rub it on), and expect it to work exactly like it does in deer (although some clinicians have used a similar process for adrenal extracts in patients with adrenal fatigue). The body is too complex. Plus, there are too many unknowns in the process of antler growth. Is it because of one hormone or the interaction between all of them? Are there growth factors we don’t know about yet? Is it because of the quantity or reactivity of the receptors or the hormones themselves?

IGF-1 in Deer Antler Velvet

Let’s assume there is IGF-1 in the deer antler velvet spray. A few questions automatically pop into my mind:

  • Can it be absorbed orally, especially since HGH is injected to increase IGF-1?
  • If a significant amount can be absorbed, is there enough IGF-1 in the deer antler velvet spray to work?
  • Do we have any idea on how much IGF-1 is needed to aid in regeneration?

Although one study supposedly showed oral absorption in rats, I find it hard to believe that billion dollar drug companies haven’t created an oral version yet. Instead patients have to inject themselves with HGH to increase IGF-1 levels.

The second question can be answered with an analysis of the spray, which if it’s true, I can’t believe the company doesn’t have it plastered all over the site. I understand there are probably legal reasons, but I would think someone should have something. In addition, how often do we need to consume it? How long is it active before it’s broken down? For all we know, we made need an IV drip of IGF-1 to make a difference.

As far as question 3 is concerned, we’re not even close to answering that.

The Conclusion

Save your money. Purchase extra fish oil, vitamin D, green tea, and protein instead. Even supplements like curcumin, Rhodiola rosea, fenugreek, and Ashwaghanda are better options.

0 thoughts on “Deer Antler Velvet: Does It Work?”
  1. There is a huge difference between Elk antler velvet, which is not high in IGF-1, and Deer Antler Velvet (harvested from New Zealand Red Deer).

  2. Couldn’t be further off base. Deer antler DOES provide muscle growth. However it must be a highly concentrated quantity and must be injected. Try doing a little more research than spending a “morning” on Google.
    Bottom line: it works. But you probably would have to do a little searching to get enough and in the correct concentration to be effective. Also be sure it is properly injected. I would just stay old school to the poven methods that work. And if that isn’t enough lets do a little thing and use logic. Pretty simple, hasn’t been tried yet. Why would the NFL ban something without having proof?

    1. Hi John Carter, The writer of this post is actually a pharmacist who also owns a gym. He shared his thoughts and perspectives and you’re welcome to share yours, too. The NFL bans a wide array of products and plenty have no scientific backing to being effective. (check this out: http://images.nflplayers.com/mediaResources/files/Banned%20Substance%20List.pdf)

      If you don’t trust our opinion, perhaps these sources may change your mind:
      FoxNews: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/03/05/deer-antler-velvet-miracle-health-enhancer-or-disappointing-dud/
      WebMD (see: Insignificant Evidence): http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-808-DEER%20VELVET.aspx

      Most importantly and most credibly, Examine.com states:
      Although Velvet Antler may contain some hormones (not yet confirmed), they are most likely too low in concentration to matter.

      Maybe all of these doctors, scientists, researchers, and analysts are wrong. Perhaps you should spend less time spending your mornings on “Google” and more time reading studies from the MayoClinic, ScienceDaily, and the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

    2. john , pubmed is a reputable journal database…. if you cant prove it works through science .. how does it work? placebo ? word of mouth? I despise over opinionated people with no education on the subject.

  3. Examine.com gives Deer Antler a B rating as a testosterone booster. It has 3 double blind placebo studies that show it works, and there are ZERO that say it doesn’t.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14669926
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12807299
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16286669

    The only reason there isn’t more research is because pharmaceutical companies failed to get big insurance companies to pay $300 dollars for a bottle of it. Why? It’s to hard to control.

    Most doctors wont recommend it because pharmaceutical companies don’t push it. If you want to know the truth about Deer Antler Velvet you need to ask independent sources that have actually taken the time to study the matter, such as http://www.deerantlerreviews.org/

  4. I read all three studies he referenced. They all basically say “no evidence of any significant difference between antler group and placebo group.”

  5. I’ve been hunting deer for about 13 years and very seldom see any antlers anyways. Stop looking for an easy way out and dedicate yourself and put in the work if you want results.

  6. Even though I disagree with the non recommendation, thanks for the insightful information and sources you provided. It’s important people do their research and make up their mind based on facts so they can make an educated decision on deer antler products. Lots of whats out there is either marketing hype, or on the other end of things its’ people making false statements without having any clue or facts to back them up. It’s easy on the anonymous net for anyone to say whatever they want in a flash. Thanks again for your hard work and keeping others informed.

  7. I have been taking it for over a year and have had tremendous success. Fat loss, increased strength/endurance, etc. The only mild side effects were hairy balls, antlers and my hands are hooves now but it is well worth it. I built up tolerance from 2 sprays orally 2-3 x a day to drinking a liter a day o.O

  8. I have found this stuff to be absolutely amazing! I am some 20 lbs heavier and am far more muscular. It has worked when nothing else did.

  9. Say and believe what you want… I’ve been using the stuff for a while. I noticed a significant improvement in recovery times from sports – bad knees felt better quicker – and definitely noticed the “side effect” bonus. Whether it was actual deer antler velvet or taurine or something else in the spray, who knows. All I can say is… something… definitely worked, and it was noticeable within days. And I bought cheap stuff off ebay. Hah.

  10. I’d reccomend trying deer antler spray as I have tried this and the stuff works. Like you said you have to use enough deer antler velvet and also it has to absorb. With nano technology and and wetter water you can get this to absorb under the tongue. I only buy the Deer Antler Spray by Das Labs sold in GNC and works amazing.

Leave a Reply to Miller Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *