Performance/Mobility/Hormonal

Deer Antler Velvet

Animal-derived velvet from growing deer antlers, traditionally used for vitality and performance, with weak modern evidence.

Deer Antler Velvet

Animal-derived velvet from growing deer antlers, traditionally used for vitality and performance, with weak modern evidence.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

Proven Benefits

01May reduce exercise fatigue

02May improve joint comfort

03May support post-exercise recovery

04May support sexual function

05May support free testosterone

Chemical Forms

Recommended

Freeze-dried powder
Standardized extract

Avoid

Nasal or sublingual IGF-1 sprays (no proven absorption, regulatory risk)

Expert Note

Freeze-dried powder is the common studied form, but it does not solve the basic problem that oral IGF-1 is digested. Spray and sublingual products claim to bypass digestion, yet human bioavailability data are lacking and regulatory concerns are common.

Protocol

Amount

500-1000 mg

Frequency

Once or twice daily

When

With food to reduce gastrointestinal upset.

Condition-Based Dosing

General supplementation

500-1000 mg daily— Evidence is insufficient to define an optimal dose; stop if no clear benefit after 8-12 weeks.

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit

No established UL; 1,000 mg/day has been used short term without major safety signals, but long-term safety is unclear.

Cycling

Safe for continuous use

Contraindications

Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate) — theoretical concern from growth-factor content

Pregnancy or breastfeeding — insufficient safety data

Organ transplant recipients — theoretical immune modulation risk

Warfarin or other anticoagulants — possible additive bleeding risk from chondroitin-like compounds

Updated Invalid Date