What is antler velvet supplement

Scientists continue to investigate its use for other purposes, such as treating osteoarthritis and preventing fatigue. These include 35 , 36 :. Furthermore, keep in mind that IGF-1 is banned by many sports leagues and athletic associations.

Thus, they could be mixed or contaminated with other compounds and substances that cause side effects in some individuals. For example, some researchers worry that the supplements can be contaminated with harmful pathogens if the antler velvet was harvested from unhealthy animals 37 , 38 , Due to the lack of studies on the safety and efficacy of deer antler velvet, use extreme caution with the supplement.

Lastly, because deer antler velvet is surgically removed from live animals, some people have moral and ethical concerns about its use as a supplement. Though it appears that the side effects of deer antler supplements may be minimal, more research on their safety and effects on humans is warranted. Also, keep in mind that deer antler supplements are prohibited by many athletic associations.

Still, most supplement manufacturers recommend a daily dose for their product — typically — mg. They can help determine the right and safe amount for you, if any at all. Deer antler velvet supplements have been used for ages to support bone health and repair tissue damages.

Many test-tube and animal studies have investigated their potential medicinal qualities. However, little of that research has been translated into how safe or effective deer antler is for humans.

Plus, remember that these supplements are prohibited by some athletic organizations. There are several dietary supplements that can help increase muscle mass and strength. Here are the 6 best supplements to gain more muscle. An investigation found that hidden additives may be contained in certain supplements, mainly in those for weight loss, muscle building, or sexual….

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Even so, such studies are still very preliminary, and growth hormone research is still unproven, he cautioned. At the moment, deer antler velvet is available as an unregulated supplement. IGF-1 affects how the body repairs itself. First, the hormone aids in building up a matrix or base—essentially a building block of protein—that's needed for cells to grow. Then, the substance increases the number of new cells that accumulate on that base, which get busy healing the injury.

IGF-1 has shown promise for helping kids with stunted growth or people with dwarfism, as well as for healing cartilage or tendon injuries. It should not be used without a doctor's care, especially as a performance enhancer. But as far as linebacker Lewis goes, since he's "looking to improve his recovery, I don't think he's necessarily doing anything wrong," noted Popovitz. That said, "we have to be mindful that professional athletes are not typical athletes," Popovitz said, noting some are known for taking extreme measures.

All rights reserved. We asked a few medical experts to give us the facts on deer antler velvet. What Is It? What Does It Do? How Does It Work? What's the Bottom Line? For your average weekend warrior, he said, "it's a little too soon to be rushing to use it.

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Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big Grassroots efforts are bringing solar panels to rural villages without electricity, while massive solar arrays are being built across the country. This argument is known as the principle of correspondence. An indication of the value added price of the final product can be found by examining websites selling VA products.

No data appears to be available for the number of users in New Zealand or, indeed, elsewhere in the world. The aim of this systematic review was to critically evaluate randomised controlled studies RCTs for the effectiveness of VA supplements for any condition, using the QOURAM statement as a guiding framework. Computerised searches were conducted using PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and Academic search premier, via the bibliographical platform, Endnote.

Manual literature searches for further relevant RCTs were conducted on the bibliographies of all retrieved full text articles and two reviews of velvet antler. Non-human, in-vitro and studies only investigating safety or adverse reactions were excluded. The methodological quality of each study was assessed by both authors using the Jadad scale9 and assigned a rating of Disagreements were resolved by discussion.

Results A computerised literature search conducted in July returned articles. Two reviews of velvet antler research returned a further articles. The remaining articles were read first on the basis of the title and abstract.

Of these, 7 articles were found to meet all inclusion criteria and were reviewed in full by both authors. A flowchart of study selection may be inspected in Figure 1. The included RCTs scored between 3 and 5 points on the Jadad scale and investigated the effectiveness of velvet antler supplements for: rheumatoid arthritis 2 , osteoarthritis 1 , sexual function 1 , and sport performance enhancement 3.

Key characteristics of the included RCTs are presented in Table 1. Two studies by Allen et al ; 10,11 investigated the effect of EVA on rheumatoid arthritis RA and both concluded that there was no effect although the earlier study was underpowered.

Allen et al. Although there were a lack of significant findings, Allen et al concluded that, on the basis of promising animal research, further human research is warranted. Although claims about the effect of velvet antler supplements on rheumatic conditions are not supported by evidence from RCTs, it may hold some promise. Figure 1. Flow chart of study selection. Three RCTS explored the effect of velvet antler on sport performance.

It was concluded that DVA may be effective on the basis that some within-subject tests for DVA were significant, while similar within-subject tests for the placebo were not. However, to test this comparison one must actually examine the interaction term for a factorial test of both within- and between-subject factors to determine whether there is a statistically significant difference between the two arms of the trial. Due to flaws in this study, it fails to provide convincing support for the use of velvet antler supplements to enhance sport performance.

Sleivert et al 15 reported that there was an increase in isokinetic strength and muscular endurance in the DVA powder group compared to the placebo. However, a similar effect was not observed in the DVA extract group, which might reasonably have been expected, and there were also no concomitant changes in the hormonal mechanisms hypothesised to underlie such changes.

On the balance of evidence, in particular the lack of convergent validity, the authors concluded that the findings were most likely explained by type I error. Syrotuik et al 16 found no effect on either strength or hormonal changes after 10 weeks of EVA supplements on the performance of rowers when compared to placebo, although low experimental power may conceivably have caused type II errors.

It is also possible that benefits do accrue, but not within the first 10 weeks of supplementation e. The first and only study to have investigated the effect of velvet antler supplements on sexual functioning, Conaglen et al ,13 found no effects on the sexual functioning of either 32 male participants or their partners.