Is deer velvet Good for You?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 22, 2026
Deer velvet is used to boost strength and endurance, improve the way the immune system works, counter the effects of stress, and promote rapid recovery from illness. It is also used at the onset of winter to ward off infections.
What are the side effects of deer velvet?
Currently, there are no known adverse side effects of taking deer antler velvet supplements.
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Potential side effects and concerns
- headaches.
- joint pain.
- edema, or swelling.
- low blood sugar levels.
Is deer antler velvet a steroid?
"Our deer antler velvet is pure and doesn't have steroids in it," Lentini said of his product, which, like many nutritional supplements, is not recognized by FDA. The growing market has bred plenty of competition. A company called Now Foods is now making deer antler velvet lozenges.
Does deer velvet actually work?
It also contains substances that might help cells grow and function. People use deer velvet for athletic performance, high blood pressure, increasing sexual desire, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Can you eat deer velvet?
The velvety hair is where Deer Velvet gets its name, but its probably not something you want to consume and its not included in the capsules. Its the whole antler that is used. Its humanely removed, frozen, freeze dried, milled, sterilised and capsulated.
26 related questions foundDoes deer velvet increase testosterone?
“Deer antler velvet increases your own testosterone naturally,” Lentini said. “It doesn't increase testosterone levels like crazy. It does it naturally.” Lentini also refuted the allegation that athletes have tested positive for performance enhancement drugs while using Antler Velvet Max.
What is deer velvet used for?
Deer Velvet has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years! Research now strongly supports these traditional uses and shows that the use of Deer Velvet facilitates rejuvenation and healing, helping to combat fatigue or stress, nagging injuries, aches or joint pains.
Why is deer antler velvet banned?
Deer antler velvet is ground-up material obtained from antlers that is harvested before they harden. S.W.A.T.S further claimed that the active ingredient in the “Ultimate Spray” was insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a substance banned both in- and out-of-competition on the WADA Prohibited List.
Does deer antler velvet build muscle?
Deer antler velvet helped increase the strength and muscle mass of Russian athletes, and speed their recovery time from exercise. The increases in strength helped the Russian athletes shatter new strength records at the Olympics and crush their American competitors.
Is shedding velvet painful?
Although it looks painful, shedding velvet does not hurt the deer. It itches but it is equatable to a snake shedding its skin. Another good thing about bucks shedding their velvet means that hunting season is approaching. Some of these deer are just making their racks clean and shiny for your mantle.
Does deer antler velvet cause hair loss?
In clinical studies* where mice are given deer antler velvet, they had increased hair growth over a control group. These studies have shown that alongside the many anti-aging properties of IGF-1, it can help tackle DHT head-on, while also: Increasing blood flow to the hair root. Preventing further hair loss.
Does deer antler velvet affect testosterone?
Antler velvet also tends to mildly increase levels of your sex hormone testosterone.
Is deer velvet good for arthritis?
Laboratory and animals studies have shown that pilose, a protein found in antler velvet, has an anti-inflammatory effect. 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 a variety of types of arthritis.
Is deer antler velvet banned by NCAA?
Marijuana, Synthetic cannabinoids (Spice; K2; JWH-018; JWH-073), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Growth hormone (hGH,) Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Erythropoietin (EPO), IGF-1 (colostrum; deer antler velvet), Ibutamoren (MK-677). Exceptions: Insulin, Synthroid and Forteo are not banned.
Does military take deer velvet?
This product may contain methandienone, an anabolic steroid, and IGF-1, which are prohibited substances by DoD. Any supplements containing deer velvet, like Bucked Up brand, may contain IGF-1. Stay away!
Is deer antler spray good for you?
Deer antler velvet has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, often prescribed to improve kidney function, promote blood flow, and to treat a variety of diseases, according to the journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Can military use deer antler spray?
From those training here in the United States, to the brave men and women fighting in Afghanistan, we are happy to supply military members with our deer antler spray products. Military service is certainly hard work both physically and mentally, which is why we believe that deer antler spray can help.
When should you take deer antler velvet?
The best time of day to take deer antler velvet is in the morning and at night. While dosage recommendations will differ based on your age, size, and activity level, we recommend that you take half of your dosage in the morning and the other have several hours before going to sleep.
What does deer antler velvet extract do?
Stimulation of the Immune System
Deer antler velvet can stimulate the immune system and has been found to be a natural source of immunoglobulins, which fight infection and disease. Research in Korea, New Zealand and China has shown that deer antler velvet can stimulate the immune system.
Is deer velvet a growth hormone?
What Is It? Deer antler velvet is essentially a growth hormone called "insulin-like growth factor 1," or IGF-1. Growth hormones, which are naturally produced by the brain and liver, regulate how our bodies grow.
How long does deer antler velvet stay in your system?
It's nutrients are absorbed into the body and the deer antler velvet is expelled like any other food in 24 to 72 hours. It does not stay in the body and there is no way to detect it in the body. Deer antler velvet extract is absorbed immediately into the body. Growth factors have a short half life - less than 24 hours.
How do they get deer antler velvet?
While we obtain our deer antler velvet directly from our farms, most companies obtain their deer antler velvet from a collective. Collectives purchase velvet from New Zealand deer farmers and sell the best velvet to buyers in Korea, China and other parts of Asia.
Is deer antler velvet safe for men?
Antler velvet may have an effect like male hormones, such as testosterone. Risks. Antler velvet may not be safe in people who should avoid supplemental estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. The supplement may contain these hormones.
Does deer antler increase estrogen?
Deer antler velvet has been shown to increase levels of sex hormones estrogen and testosterone , both of which women need. Therefore, deer antler velvet may also boost the sex drive and can improve fertility.
What happens if a deer breaks his antler?
Antlers grow fast—up to an inch per day in the summer! They have a complex system of blood vessels that carry nutrients through the velvet and down into the core. When a growing antler is broken, it bleeds profusely, and blood can pool and fill the inside of the velvet.