What is in Deer Antler Velvet?

Deer Antler Velvet Composition

The chemical composition of deer antler velvet is highly complex, containing nearly 40 key compounds and 400 active ingredients.

Deer antler velvet is a truly unique superfood, containing the most concentrated source of widely-diversified nutritional substances ever found in the plant or animal kingdom.

Although the ingredients are generally known, it is believed that the combination of ingredients as a whole contributes significantly to the efficacy of deer antler velvet. Specific substances rarely perform alone, and consuming a whole food as provided by nature, are superior to using isolated elements, whether synthetic or natural.

Deer antler velvet, in "whole-stick" form from tip to base, is composed of approximately: 53% proteins, 34% minerals, 3% lipids and 10% water. It contains 13 growth factors, 21 amino acids, 20 glycosaminoglycans and many minerals and trace elements.

Deer Antler Velvet Segments

Deer velvet antler can be divided into five segments: tips, uppers, middles, bottoms and bases. The top part, usually the last two inches of each branch of an antler, is called the tip. The segment from the beginning of the tip to the forks of the antler is called the upper. The segment between the upper and lower forks is called the middle. The segment between the lower forks and the base is called the bottom. The base is the last few inches of antler.

The concentration of nutrients in each of the five segments vary. Generally, moving from the base of the antler toward the tip, the protein and growth factor content increases, the lipid content increases and the mineral and ash content decreases. Also, as an antler hardens, the mineral content increases and the moisture content decreases.

The tips and upper parts of deer antler velvet are rich in protein, growth factors and lipids, and are thus more valued due to their high efficacy. The tips of deer antler velvet are particularly expensive, due to its rich source of growth factors including insulin growth factor, or IGF-1.

The base and bottom segments of deer antler velvet, on the other hand, are less effective, deficient parts of the antler. They have a high mineral content (15% calcium) and a high mineral ash content (40%). In appearance, the base and the bottom segments have porous centers, some white coloration, and narrow, dark rings around the outside. These segments are the least active part of the antler, and therefore are the least expensive.

Antler Farms® uses only the best components - tips, uppers and middles - to produce the strongest deer antler velvet products.

By excluding the low yielding parts of antler, Antler Farms® produces a nutrient rich deer antler velvet that is superior to any other product on the market.

The Effects of IGF-1

IGF-1 is a hormone that is produced naturally in the human body and circulates in the blood. It contains seventy amino acid polypeptides that are produced by the liver as an endocrine hormone.

IGF-1 has many effects on the body. In childhood, it is important for growth (the highest levels in humans occur during puberty). In adults, it has anabolic effects. IGF-1 aids growth and stops cell death in normal ranges. The hormone stimulates growth in most cells of the body, including skeletal muscle, cartilage, bone, nerves and skin. It increases the number and size of cells.

IGF-1 plays a role in cell repair to the brain, heart and muscles. It speeds recovery and muscle regeneration. In addition, IGF-1 reduces body fat by stopping insulin from moving glucose through the body, resulting in the body using fat as a source of energy instead of glucose. Increasing the levels of IGF-1 in the body can increase the body’s ability to build muscle, recover from injury or workouts, and burn fat.

Deer antler velvet is composed of: Proteins and Growth Factors Amino acids - precursors for all protein production, aids tissue growth, muscle recovery and repair Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1, 2) - precursors for growth hormone production, promotes muscle growth, tissue growth and organ health Epidermal growth factor (EGF) - protein that stimulates cell growth to produce collagen, for cell renewal and wound healing Collagen - a structural protein present in bone, tendons, ligaments, other connective tissue and articular cartilage Glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) Glucosamine sulphate - builds, maintains and repairs joint structures including bone, cartilage, ligaments, joint fluids and tendons Chondroitin sulphate - helps protect and rebuild degenerating cartilage, gives cartilage elasticity, an anti-inflammatory agent Hyaluronic acid - a substance that binds cartilage cells together and lubricates joints Lipids Phospholipids - builds cell components and enhances cellular activities, repairs structural damage caused by free radicals, pathogens and toxins Glycosphingolipids - compounds involved with growth and metabolism of cells and with memory and learning Prostaglandins - regulates contraction and relaxation of muscles, regulates inflammatory mediation Minerals Calcium - builds and maintains bones, teeth and nerves, important for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood pressure and blood clotting Phosphorus - a key component of metabolic reactions, provides structure for bones and teeth, important for function of heart and kidney Potassium - essential for electrolyte balance and also muscle and nerve function Sodium - allows the body to maintain normal fluid balance and electrolytes Magnesium - helps cells restore and release energy for regular muscle and nerve function Trace Elements Selenium - powerful antioxidant that reduces infections, protects blood cells, the heart, liver and lungs Sulphur - element of insulin and various amino acids, protects body against toxins Zinc - a component of more than 90 enzymes necessary for healthy skin, growth and the healing of wounds Copper - essential for formation of red blood cells, energy making, bone and connective tissues Iron - essential in the blood cells transporting oxygen through the body Cobalt - Used for anemia and stimulating new red blood cells. Required in the synthesis of vitamin B12 Other Compounds Monoamine- oxidase inhibitors - an enzyme that inhibits the oxidation of neurotransmitters, improves mood and feeling of well-being Erythropoietin - a hormone produced by specialized kidney cells to stimulate red blood cell production

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