New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet
Also known as: Deer antler velvet, Elk velvet antler, New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet, DAV, NZDAV, Cervus elaphus antler, Cervus canadensis antler, Deer Antler Velvet
Overview
Deer antler velvet (DAV) is a nutraceutical derived from the soft, cartilaginous tissue of growing deer antlers, primarily from red deer (*Cervus elaphus*) and elk (*Cervus canadensis*). Harvested before calcification, it's marketed for various health benefits, including enhanced athletic performance, improved sexual function, and arthritis symptom relief. New Zealand is a prominent source of commercial DAV supplements. The supplement contains a complex mixture of growth factors like IGF-1, collagen, minerals, and other bioactive compounds. While research exists, the overall evidence supporting its benefits remains limited and inconsistent. Systematic reviews highlight a scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adequate sample sizes and rigorous methodology. Therefore, claims regarding its efficacy should be viewed with caution.
Benefits
Evidence supporting the benefits of deer antler velvet is limited. A systematic review of 7 RCTs found no convincing evidence for benefits in rheumatoid arthritis, sexual function, or sports performance enhancement. Some studies suggest potential, but inconsistent, relief of osteoarthritis symptoms. One RCT involving male weightlifters showed no statistically significant improvements in aerobic capacity, strength, or body composition compared to placebo. Individual studies have reported minor improvements in symptoms or quality of life measures in arthritis patients, but these findings were not statistically significant or consistent across trials. Overall, the effect sizes reported are small or non-significant, and no clear clinical relevance has been established. More high-quality research is needed to confirm any potential benefits.
How it works
The proposed mechanism of action for deer antler velvet involves the delivery of growth factors, particularly IGF-1, which may promote tissue repair and regeneration. It is suggested that it can modulate inflammatory pathways and cartilage metabolism, potentially benefiting joint health. However, the oral bioavailability of growth factors like IGF-1 in velvet antler is uncertain, as digestion may degrade these proteins before they can be systemically absorbed. The supplement's interaction with IGF-1 receptors and collagen synthesis pathways is also hypothesized to contribute to its purported effects.
Side effects
Deer antler velvet is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse events consistently reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant rare adverse events have been documented. Drug interactions are not well-documented, but caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions due to the presence of growth factors like IGF-1. Contraindications may include cancer patients or those with hormone-sensitive conditions. Limited data exists regarding its safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, caution is warranted in these populations.
Dosage
Due to the lack of consistent evidence supporting its efficacy, a minimum effective dose of deer antler velvet has not been established. Studies have used dosages around 1350 mg twice daily. A maximum safe dose is not clearly defined, but no toxicity has been reported at the studied doses. It is typically administered twice daily in studies. Powdered or capsule forms are common, standardized for active components. The absorption factors are unknown, and protein growth factors may have limited oral bioavailability. No required cofactors have been identified.
FAQs
Does deer antler velvet improve athletic performance?
Current high-quality evidence does not support significant performance enhancement in healthy adults. Studies have shown no statistically significant improvements in aerobic capacity, strength, or body composition.
Is it effective for arthritis?
Some limited evidence suggests potential benefit in osteoarthritis symptoms, but findings are inconclusive and require further research. The evidence for rheumatoid arthritis is not convincing.
Is it safe?
Deer antler velvet is generally considered safe with minimal side effects reported in clinical trials. However, caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions.
Are growth factors like IGF-1 absorbed?
Oral absorption of IGF-1 from velvet antler is questionable, which may limit its systemic effects. Digestion may degrade these proteins before they can be absorbed.
How long before effects are seen?
There is no consistent evidence of benefit at any time point. Studies have ranged from weeks to months without demonstrating significant or reliable improvements.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23321886/ – This systematic review of randomized controlled trials examined the health benefits of deer and elk velvet antler supplements. The review found no convincing evidence of benefit for rheumatoid arthritis, sexual function, or sports performance, although some promise was noted for osteoarthritis symptom relief. The authors highlighted the need for more high-quality research with larger sample sizes.
- https://nzmj.org.nz/media/pages/journal/vol-125-no-1367/health-benefits-of-deer-and-elk-velvet-antler-supplements-a-systematic-review-of-randomised-controlled-studies/b6934e2cda-1696471410/health-benefits-of-deer-and-elk-velvet-antler-supplements-a-systematic-review-of-randomised-controlled-studies.pdf – This systematic review assessed the efficacy of deer and elk velvet antler supplements based on randomized controlled studies. The review concluded that there is a lack of robust evidence to support the claimed health benefits, except for some potential in osteoarthritis. The authors emphasized the need for more rigorous research to validate these findings.
- https://yosan.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Deer-Antler-Supplements-Growth-Factors-and-Possible-Cancer-Risks-by-Borna-Ilic.pdf – This article discusses the potential risks associated with growth factors in deer antler supplements, particularly in relation to cancer. It highlights the presence of IGF-1 and other growth factors and raises concerns about their potential to stimulate cancer cell growth. The article suggests caution in using these supplements, especially for individuals with a history of cancer.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK161822/ – This resource from the National Institutes of Health provides general information on dietary supplements. While it doesn't specifically focus on deer antler velvet, it offers valuable context on the regulation, safety, and efficacy of dietary supplements, which is relevant to understanding the limitations of research in this area.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/broder-deer-antler-velvet-study.pdf – This study investigated the effects of New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet (NZDAV) supplementation on male weightlifters. The results showed no significant improvements in aerobic capacity, strength, or body composition compared to placebo. The study had a high dropout rate and a small sample size, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
