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Deer Antler Velvet for Veterans
Deer Antler Velvet for Veterans

Deer Antler Velvet for Veterans

Deer antler velvet has been lauded as the next miracle cure, with doses for sale on the internet going anywhere from twenty dollars to over a grand, which is a lot of money to burn if it turns out to be snake oil. But there must be something to it; the supplement is currently on the banned substances list for the NFL and most major sports leagues. The facts are simply this:

  • The velvet is harvested from the tips of deer antlers and turned into a supplement
  • The supplement contains the compounds Neurotrophin-3 and IGF-1
  • IGF (insulin-like growth factor) has been linked with muscle and bone development
  • Neurotrophin-3 has been linked with neurological regeneration and growth

Normally when the term Deer Antler Velvet is placed in a search engine what gets cranked out is information for athletes and bodybuilders (along with questionable citation-lacking opinions) but there never seems to be any information about the effects for people who genuinely need healing, such as disabled veterans coming back from service overseas.

Deer Antler Velvet on Neurology

Deer antler velvet contains a compound known as Neurotrophin-3, which according to a trial run by the University of Munich, was able to cause sprouts to grow in the spines of rats in the corticospinal tract. This is important because in the trial, the rats’ spines were previously covered in lesions, and after the trial the rats tested positive for an antibody linked with regeneration of neural fibers.

The department of Veterans Affairs claims there are as many as 332,000 Americans living with spinal cord injuries, with more than 22,000 being veterans and unfortunately the number of both increases each year. If there is any chance that Neurotrophin-3 can help people this needs more funding and research immediately.

Deer Antler Velvet On Skeletal Muscles

IGF-1, a key compound in Deer antler velvet, has been linked to increased strength and stamina, with mixed results; however for disabled veterans it is the muscle regeneration of skeletal muscles that may prove to be more helpful. There is also been correlating research between IGF-1 and bone density increase which would be beneficial to persons with osteoporosis or brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta).

According to Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, a trial was conducted involving hatched chickens two weeks of age, the muscle mass increase 10% to 24% and the contractile force was increased by 14% to 22%.

Finally, please know the material found on this website and blog are informational only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Deer Antler Velvet for Athletes | Clearwater Nutrition Lab
Deer Antler Velvet for Athletes

Deer Antler Velvet for Athletes

Deer antler velvet is now being used by athletes around the world to improve their exercise and recovery experience.  This unique substance is the tissue that covers growing antlers on all Cervidae, which include species such as deer, elk, and moose.  The velvet has been used for centuries in traditional far-eastern medicine. Today western health practitioners are including this as a whole food nutritional supplement to help their patients in a wide variety of ways. Athletes are also looking to this supplement to improve performance and recovery from exercise and injury. Cervidae velvet gained national attention with athletes after Ray Lewis’s (Baltimore Ravens) alleged use and then rapid recovery from an injury prior to his Super Bowl win.

Deer Antler Velvet and Its Effect on Athletic Performance

So does this stuff actually live up to the hype?  What effect does it have on the body?  Research suggests that it has a positive effect on athletic performance in the following ways:

  • increased blood flow
  • increased energy
  • increased endurance
  • improved flexibility
  • quicker muscle recovery
  • anti-aging effects
  • improvement in general health

How Does It Work?

Deer antler velvet’s main active component is a growth hormone called “insulin-like growth factor 1”, or IGF-1.  IGF-1 directly affects how the body heals and repairs itself.  Initially, the hormone assists in building up a matrix (crucial building block of protein) that’s needed for cell growth.  Then the substance increases the number of new cells that accumulate on the base which, in turn, get busy healing the injury.  Thus, you see overall improvement from the ground up due to the cells more efficient operation at its core levels of functioning.  Simply put, because the cell operates better, the body operates better.

Evidence

In a random, placebo controlled test in 2004, researchers at the University of Alberta placed 18 males from the Edmonton Police Force into a 9 week strength training program. The researchers found that use of deer antler velvet significantly increased blood plasma testosterone levels. Overall, the results showed that regular use increased the strength and endurance of the subjects relative to the control group.

Bottom Line

In Russia and China, deer antler velvet is widely used by athletes to enhance overall performance. Here in the west, more and more athletes are looking to this supplement as a promoter of recovery and possibly as an injury preventative. IGF-1 (the main active compound found in antler velvet) could also improve athletic performance by assisting strength and endurance, by supporting the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, by facilitating minor tissue damage repair, and by boosting the immune system.

Deer Antler Velvet | Natural Sleep Aids
Deer Antler Velvet | Natural Sleep Aids

Deer Antler Velvet | Natural Sleep Aids

“Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” Deer antler velvet may be the best of all natural sleep aids.

Sleep Better With Deer Antler Velvet

Who does not like sleep? It is one of the greatest feelings we could ever experience and it plays such a vital role in our daily health. A great stress reliever and mood changer, quality rest protects our mental, emotional and physical being. It is just as important as eating healthy or exercising, as it rejuvenates and keeps the bodies entire system strong. Though, it is not uncommon that some people have a hard time sleeping, developing conditions such as insomnia. With this being the outcome for some, how can they overcome this condition and enjoy a good night’s rest? This sends many people looking for the best natural sleep aids.

Deer Antler Velvet, a substance known for its healing properties and influence on building up the human body in numerous areas has a cure for sleepless nights. Studies reveal those who have taken the velvet rest easier and for longer periods of time, feeling more refreshed in the morning. Natural vitamins within the velvet helps adjust rest patterns, mood and have many characteristics in which it strengthens the body in many ways. Due to this, certain supplements such as Sleep Support have combined with the extract of deer antler velvet to aid specifically in sleep.

With supplements using deer antler velvet to aid in sleeping this makes it clear that its natural properties are a very effective natural sleep aid. Sleepless nights plagued by insomnia can all be solved with Cervidae antler velvet. I myself have no problem with getting a good night’s rest, but would definitely subscribe and encourage all my friends with sleeping problems this product. Nothing would bring the body more joy and happiness at night than to lay back relax and enjoy a well-deserved eight plus hours of good rest.

Deer Antler Velvet | Clearwater Nutrition Lab
Health Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet – Jenna H. Clearwater Nutrition Lab

Health Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet – Jenna H. Clearwater Nutrition Lab

Being born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, I grew up with a Dad who loves hunting season. When I think of deer and deer antlers, the health benefits of deer antler velvet isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, so I decided to explore this process a little more.

Deer antlers are used primarily for mating purposes and male deer grow their first set of antlers during puberty.  When the antlers are growing, they are organ-like and are soft to the touch or very spongy. The “velvet” outermost layer of skin covering the antlers is hair-like in texture and contains blood vessels, nerves, cartilage and bones. Growth of the antlers usually begins in the spring and the changes in the daylight length effect the growth and amount of testosterone emitted from the antlers.

How is Deer Antler Velvet Made?

Deer antler velvet is extracted from the antlers while the antlers are in the growing process. Once the antlers are full-grown, they begin to harden and calcify. The antlers usually fall off during the fall/early winter and will grow back again in the spring.

The withdrawal is made up of 53% proteins, 34% minerals, 3% lipids and 10% water. It contains 13 growth factors, 21 amino acids and many more glycosaminoglycans, which are just some of the health benefits of deer antler velvet.

The whole deer antler can be broken into 5 segments, with the tip being the richest in growth factors, including insulin growth factor (IGF-1).

IGF-1 has many effects on the human body and is one of the main health benefits of deer antler velvet. IGF-1 plays a role in cell repair to the brain, heart and muscles. It speeds recovery of torn muscles and joints.

Other health benefits of deer antler velvet include:

  • Reduction of blood pressure
  • Increase in energy levels and endurance
  • Prevention and reduction of inflammation
  • Improves sexual health
  • Development of the skeletal system
  • Improves mental health
  • Anti-aging effects

Deer antler velvet can be purchased in either a liquid form or as a supplement capsule. Why not take it with your morning vitamins and see the Health Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet for yourself?  I’ve learned that antlers can be used for more than decoration in my house.

**Disclosure:  Deer antler velvet is not intended for use with children under 18. Additionally, no deer are hurt in the extraction process, they are simply put to sleep and a licensed veterinarian performs the removal.