The Surprising Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet

Are you struggling with stiff muscles or high cholesterol? It might sound surprising, but deer antler velvet may be the solution to your problem.

For roughly 2,000 years, people have used deer antler velvet to remedy common ailments, such as muscle soreness, migraines, and osteoarthritis. 

But what is deer antler velvet? This guide will explore everything you need to know, including the many benefits of deer antler velvet. With this guide, you’ll discover when and how you can use antler velvet.

What Is Deer Antler Velvet?

Deer antler velvet is also sometimes shown as deer velvet antler or DAV. Deer velvet is actually more than just the fuzzy skin of the deer antler. It also includes the internal bone and cartilage that eventually develops into deer antlers.

Surprisingly, deer antler velvet is full of nutrients. Many of these minerals and proteins found in deer velvet are integral to the development of joints, bones, and connective tissues. 

Some of the important chemicals and minerals found in deer velvet include:

Amino Acids

All protein requires amino acids. They are the precursors to protein development, after all.

This makes amino acids useful for repairing muscles and muscle recovery. It also aids in helping tissue grow. 

Antler Polypeptides

If you struggle with joint help, polypeptides can help. In fact, they promote bone marrow stem cell growth, which in turn supports bone marrow growth. 

Additionally, polypeptides may help to increase joint cartilage surface area.

Glucosamine Sulfate

Another good ingredient for joint health is glucosamine sulfate, a known anti-inflammatory. This agent helps to maintain, repair, and build joint structures. 

This may be beneficial to tendons, joint fluid, cartilage, ligaments, and bone. 

Hyaluronic Acid 

One of the best supplements for joint lubrication is hyaluronic acid. This ingredient is abundant in deer velvet.

It also helps to bind cartilage cells together, another benefit for those with joint pain and arthritis. 

Collagen

Another structural protein, collagen is essential for connective tissue. It’s also present in bones, ligaments, and tendons. 

There are many other ingredients in DVA that are helpful for muscle recovery and repair, joint pain, and even sexual drive. 

The Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet

There are numerous deer antler velvet uses. In fact, both humans and animals can utilize deer antler supplements. 

Deer antler velvet has only recently begun to rise in supplement popularity. Because of this, the research regarding DVA’s effectiveness is unfortunately limited.

However, due to its many beneficial ingredients, it is likely that DVA helps with a variety of different ailments. Namely, DVA may help with things such as:

• Muscle pains
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Indigestion
• Asthma
• Immune system support
• Acne

DVA may even assist with slowing the development of certain cancers. Some believe that deer antler is also an effective supplement for improving fertility and libido. This is because it has many similar properties to estrogen. 

It is important to talk to your doctor before starting this or any other supplement. 

DVA for Pets

DVA is also commonly used as a pet supplement. Most studies focus on DVA use in dogs. These studies show that DVA is non-toxic and has no known side effects in dog usage.

It is generally used to improve the athletic performance, immune system response, and joint condition of dogs. It is especially useful for elderly dogs.

Deer Antler Velvet Side Effects and Interactions

The potential side effects of DVA are not yet known. However, deer velvet has a long history of medicinal uses. Current research leads many to believe DVA is safe for up to 12 weeks when taken by mouth.

However, DVA may not be ideal for all people. DVA often acts similar to estrogen, meaning those taking estrogen or birth control pills should talk with their doctor before starting deer velvet supplements. 

It is also likely that those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid the use of DVA. Certain conditions may worsen with exposure to estrogen or DVA. These include:

• Breast cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis

You should avoid the use of deer velvet if you have any of these conditions or any condition that is hormone-sensitive. 

How Is Deer Antler Velvet Produced?

Most deer velvet is humanely harvested. The process starts when a certified veterinarian places a deer under local anesthesia. It takes roughly 30 minutes to remove the deer’s antler.

The deer is then able to resume normal activity shortly after the procedure. The antlers, which are still in the “velvet stage” of growth, are harvested before they can harden and calcify. 

The entire antler is used in DVA, not just the fine velvet on the outside of the antler. They then freeze the deer antler after harvesting. This helps to prevent decomposition during the production of tablets or DVA extract. 

Should I Use Deer Antler Velvet? 

If you’re struggling with joint pain, sexual dysfunction, or high blood pressure, DVA may be a useful supplement. There is no known ideal dosage for DVA, and what works for you will depend on your age, weight, and health condition.

In most cases, you should avoid the use of DVA if you have any of the above hormone-sensitive conditions. Again, you should discuss this with your doctor before beginning a DVA supplement regimen. 

In dogs, there are no known side effects so it is likely safe for use in most dogs. Talk to your veterinarian before starting DVA, just to stay on the safe side.

Improve Your Performance With Deer Antler Velvet

Now that you know the benefits of deer antler velvet, as well as its potential side effects and uses, you can better decide if DVA is right for you. In many cases, DVA may help improve your athletic performance and joint condition.

Check out our Health section to learn about more holistic remedies for common ailments.