Deer antler velvet is a soft tissue that covers the bone and cartilage that develops into deer antlers. It is harvested from deer before their antlers fully harden, usually in the early stages of growth.
The velvet is rich in nutrients, including growth factors, amino acids, and minerals.
Traditional Chinese medicine has used deer antler velvet for centuries, and it has gained popularity as a dietary supplement in various cultures.
It is available in different forms, including whole velvet, powders, and extracts, often promoted for potential health benefits.
What is Deer Antler Velvet
Derived from deer antlers before they harden, deer antler velvet is a tissue with potential therapeutic compounds, including growth factors and hormones.
Harvested humanely, deer antler velvet is obtained by carefully removing the soft velvet layer without harming the animal. It’s a meticulous process carried out by experienced practitioners.
Deer Antler Velvet is truly unique natural product containing the most concentrated source of widely diversified nutrients ever found in the plant or animal world.
The chemical composition of Deer Antler Velvet is very complex, containing about 40 key compounds and more than 400 active ingredients.
Although the benefits of these compounds are well known, the synergy of their combined use is thought to yield maximum benefits, forming the foundation for the effectiveness of Deer Antler Velvet.
Deer Antler Velvet Biochemical Composition
Deer Antler Velvet comprises approximately: 53% proteins, 34% minerals, 3% lipids, and 10% water. It contains 13 growth factors, 21 amino acids, 20 glycosaminoglycans, and a significant amount of minerals and trace elements.
Amino Acids
Deer Antler Velvet boasts a remarkable presence of 18 out of 22 naturally occurring amino acids, including alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, valine, histidine, glutamine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, proline, serine, tyrosine, threonine, phenylalanine, cysteine, and more.
Amino acids serve as precursors for all protein products, supporting tissue growth, muscle repair, and overall recovery.
Describing the properties of amino acids in a single word is impossible—they form the foundation of all chemical and biological processes in the body.
Proteins
Bone proteins promote bone growth and regeneration.
Collagen, a structural protein found in bone, tendons, ligaments, other connective tissues, and articular cartilage, provides strength and elasticity.
Carbohydrates
Hyaluronic acid is a component of connective, epithelial, and nervous tissues.
Chondroitin sulfates form the structure of cartilage and are used as part of chondroprotective drugs.
Heparin is a substance that prevents blood clotting and is effective in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic diseases.
Peptides
Peptides act as regulators in various biochemical processes, facilitating substance transport between tissues and organs while safeguarding the body from foreign elements.
Neuropeptides, in particular, influence specific human behaviors, enhance learning and memory processes, regulate sleep, and alleviate pain.
Growth Factors
Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1, 2) act as precursors for growth hormone production, promoting muscle growth, tissue development, and organ health.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a protein stimulating cell growth, contributes to collagen production, cell repair, and wound healing.
Additional growth factors include TGF-A (transforming growth factor alpha), TGF-B (transforming growth factor beta), NGF (nerve growth factor), NGF-3 (celiac neurotrophic factor), BMP-4 (bone morphogenetic protein-4), Interleukin 2 and 6 (immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines).
Hormones
Hormones like testosterone (a male hormone), estradiol (a female hormone), and dehydroepiandrosterone are present in Deer Antler Velvet.
However, these are likely residuals, as hormones circulate more when the antler is still connected or freshly removed from the deer, often at higher concentrations.
Glycosaminoglycans
Glucosamine Sulfate: Constructs, maintains, and repairs joint structures, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, joint tendons, and tendons.
Chondroitin Sulfate: Aids in protecting and restoring degenerating cartilage, providing cartilage elasticity, and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Hyaluronic Acid: Binds cartilage cells together and lubricates joints.
Lipids
Phospholipids (e.g., Lecithin, Cephalin, Cerebroside, Sphingomyelin, Cardiomylin, Lysolecithin): Integral components of cells and cell membranes, enhancing cellular activity and repairing structural damage caused by free radicals, pathogens, and toxins.
Glycosphingolipids: Associated with cell growth, metabolism, memory, and learning.
Prostaglandins: Regulate muscle contraction and relaxation, as well as mediate inflammation.
Fatty Acids
The composition of Deer Antler Velvet includes fatty acids such as linoleic, palmitooleic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, oleic, stearic, arachidic, arachidonic, behenic, and lignoceric.
These contribute to the immunomodulatory, antitumor, antisclerotic effects of antler products and participate in tissue and organ regeneration processes.
Minerals
Calcium: Essential for building and maintaining bones, teeth, and nerves, vital for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood pressure, and blood clotting.
Phosphorus: A key component of metabolic reactions, providing structure to bones and teeth, and crucial for heart and kidney function.
Potassium: Essential for electrolyte balance, as well as muscle and nerve function.
Sodium: Enables the body to maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balance.
Magnesium: Facilitates cell repair and energy release, supporting regular muscle and nerve function.
Microelements
Selenium: A potent antioxidant that reduces infections and protects blood cells, heart, liver, and lungs.
Sulfur: An element in insulin and various amino acids, guarding the body against toxins.
Zinc: A component of over 90 enzymes necessary for healthy skin, growth, and wound healing.
Copper: Necessary for the formation of red blood cells, energy production, and bone and connective tissue.
Iron: Essential in blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body.
Cobalt: Used for treating anemia and stimulating the production of new red blood cells.
Other Compounds
Deer Antler Velvet includes vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Enzymes inhibiting the oxidation of neurotransmitters, improving mood and feelings of well-being.
Erythropoietin: A hormone produced by specialized kidney cells to stimulate the production of red blood cells.
Deer Antler Velvet IGF-1
Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) is a specialized hormone naturally produced in the human body and circulating in the blood. It consists of amino acid polypeptides generated by the liver as an endocrine hormone.
IGF-1 exerts significant effects on the body. In childhood, it plays a crucial role in growth, with the highest levels during puberty. In adults, it exhibits a pronounced anabolic effect, promoting cell growth and preventing cell death.
This hormone stimulates growth in various body cells, including skeletal muscle, cartilage, bones, nerves, and skin, leading to an increase in both cell number and size.
IGF-1 plays a vital role in the repair of brain, heart, and muscle cells, expediting muscle healing and recovery.
Furthermore, IGF-1 aids in reducing body fat by inhibiting insulin’s ability to transport glucose through the body. This prompts the body to utilize fat as an energy source rather than glucose.
Elevating IGF-1 levels can enhance the body’s capacity to build muscle, recover from injury or training, and facilitate fat burning.
Potential Deer Antler Velvet Benefits
Examining the data on the biochemical composition and biological activity of Deer Antler Velvet, along with insights from traditional medicine, allow us to consider this substance as a foundation for better health.
According to the gathered information, incorporating Deer Antler Velvet into the diet appears to boost physical activity, alleviate symptoms of overtraining syndromes and chronic fatigue, stabilize the central nervous system, and positively impact cellular metabolism.
Given Deer Antler Velvet’s content of IGF-1, glycosaminoglycans, collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and essential and non-essential amino acids, notable improvements are anticipated in individuals with musculoskeletal system damage.
The presence of IGF-1 in deer antler velvet is frequently emphasized for its potential role in growth, development, and its effects on muscle and tissue repair.
Initial studies suggest that deer antler velvet may possess anti-cancer properties, potentially attributed to its immune-modulating effects.
Deer Antler Velvet Dosage
Many supplement manufacturers suggest a daily dose, usually ranging from 500 to 1000 mg.
Dosage guidelines differ, and it’s essential to adhere to product-specific recommendations.
Seeking advice from a healthcare professional before using Deer Antler Velvet supplements is recommended.
Deer Antler Velvet Side Effects
Deer antler velvet is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately. Still, like any substance, it may cause negative side effects in some individuals.
Here are some potential side effects associated with deer antler velvet:
Some people may be allergic to components of deer antler velvet. Symptoms may consist of irritation, rash or swelling.
Digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach have been reported in some cases.
Deer antler velvet contains IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), which can influence hormone levels. This could be of concern for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as certain cancers.
Due to the lack of sufficient safety information, pregnant or nursing women are generally advised to avoid deer antler velvet.
Before using deer antler velvet or any supplement, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Is Deer Antler Velvet Banned
Deer antler velvet itself is not universally banned. However, it’s important to note that regulations regarding the use of deer antler velvet or its extracts can vary by country and region.
Athletes should be particularly cautious, as some sports organizations, such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), prohibit the use of substances like IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), which is naturally present in deer antler velvet.
Athletes are responsible for checking the rules and regulations of their specific sports organizations to ensure compliance.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the legality and regulations surrounding deer antler velvet in your specific location or within a particular context, it is recommended to consult local health authorities, sports organizations, or legal experts.
Conclusion
Deer antler velvet, a natural supplement with a rich history in traditional medicine, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits.
Evidence and initial studies indicate potential benefits such as promoting bone growth, addressing fatigue, and demonstrating anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
Due to its numerous beneficial substances, deer antler velvet is an important component in the GenF20 Plus HGH releaser formula.
When combined with amino acids and other natural ingredients, it has the potential to significantly enhance overall health and combat various signs of aging.
Before incorporating it into your routine, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional. While the potential benefits are intriguing, a personalized assessment of your health status and any potential interactions with medications is essential.
While deer antler velvet may hold promise, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and establish concrete evidence of its effectiveness and safety.
