Antler velvet, a substance found in the antlers of deer, has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a treatment for various health issues. However, recently it has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to its apparent ability to improve athletic performance.
In this blog, we will explore antler velvet, its benefits, availability, and why WADA has decided to ban it. So, let’s get started!
What is Deer Antler Velvet?
Deer antler velvet is a type of tissue that covers the growing bones of deer and other members of the cervid family. It is thought to have medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
The active ingredients in deer antler velvet are believed to be glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen. These substances are thought to promote joint health and reduce inflammation.
Deer antler velvet is available in supplements, powders, and tinctures. It can also be found in some cosmetics and skincare products.
Why is Deer Antler Velvet Banned?
Deer antler velvet is indeed a beneficial supplement with a long history of use in traditional medicine. So, why is deer antler velvet banned? To answer this, first, you have to understand where the use of this substance is prohibited.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an international organization that works to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. WADA has banned the use of deer antler velvet in competitive sports.
The reason for this is that deer antler velvet contains a substance called IGF-1, which is a growth hormone that can improve athletic performance. WADA bans IGF-1 because it gives athletes an unfair advantage.
While deer antler velvet is banned in competitive sports, it is still legal to use for personal use. So, if you’re not an athlete, you can still use deer antler velvet for different health benefits.
Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet
Here are some of the highlighting potential benefits of deer antler velvet:
Improve Joint Health
As we age, our joints start degenerating, and we can experience pain and stiffness. It is because the cartilage that cushions our joints starts to break down. Deer antler velvet can help to improve joint health by providing the body with glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen. These substances can help to rebuild cartilage and reduce inflammation.
Boost Immunity
Deer antler velvet is also thought to boost immunity. It does this by stimulating the production of white blood cells responsible for fighting infection.
Reduce Inflammation
In addition to its joint-health benefits, deer antler velvet can also help to reduce inflammation. It is because it contains a substance called IGF-1, which has anti-inflammatory effects. That’s why deer antler velvet is sometimes used to treat arthritis and joint pain.
Improve Brain Function
Recent studies have shown that it can positively impact brain function. Deer antler velvet contains a compound called chondroitin sulfate, which is known to promote the growth of nerve tissue. It also contains other compounds that are believed to improve blood flow to the brain and protect brain cells from damage.
Additionally, deer antler velvet is a rich source of minerals and amino acids essential for healthy brain function.
Better Cardiovascular Health
Deer antler velvet can also improve cardiovascular health. It is because it contains compounds that help to reduce cholesterol and improve blood circulation. Additionally, deer antler velvet can help to lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.
How to Use Deer Antler Velvet?
If you are not an athlete and want to use deer antler velvet for personal use, you have lots of options available, like:
Deer Antler Velvet Supplements
Deer antler velvet supplements are made from the cartilaginous tissue that grows on deer, elk, and moose antlers. This tissue is rich in nutrients like collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Deer antler velvet supplements are thought to provide a range of health benefits.
The active compounds in deer antler velvet are believed to work together to provide several benefits. For example, collagen provides structural support for joints, while glucosamine and chondroitin help to maintain healthy cartilage. Additionally, the minerals in deer antler velvet are essential for supporting bone health.
Deer antler velvet supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, they should be used with caution in people with bleeding disorders or those taking medications that may increase the risk of bleeding.
Deer Antler Velvet Extracts
Other than the supplements, you can also find deer antler velvet extracts in the market. Deer antler velvet extracts are made from the cartilaginous tissue of deer antlers and are thought to provide similar benefits as deer antler velvet supplements. However, the extracts are more concentrated forms of deer antler velvet and may provide more potent effects.
The FDA does not regulate deer antler velvet extracts, and their safety has not been well studied. Therefore, they should be used with caution.
Deer Antler Velvet Powder
Deer antler velvet powder is made from the dried and ground-up cartilaginous tissue of deer antlers. It is a less concentrated form of deer antler velvet and is thought to provide similar benefits as supplements and extracts. Deer antler velvet powder can be added to smoothies, juices, or water. It can also be used in recipes for soups, stews, or sauces.
Deer Antler Velvet Spray
Deer antler velvet spray is believed to be more easily absorbed by the body than deer antler velvet supplements, extracts, or powder. You can use this spray topically on the skin or add it to drinks. Deer antler velvet spray is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, as with any supplement, you should always speak to your healthcare provider before using it.
Conclusion
So, why is deer antler velvet banned? We know that deer antler velvet has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. And it is still used for various purposes, such as improving joint health, cardiovascular health, and brain function. However, it is banned by The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because it contains a compound that can increase levels of IGF-1.
So, if you want to use deer antler velvet as a professional athlete, we are sorry to say that it’s not for you!
