Copy of ‘Red Deer Velvet’ Article written by Dr Sean Penny, Homeopathic Practioner Published in m-Magazine September 2005. 
Deer Velvet, a revered tonic in China for over 2000 years and what is largely considered a significant contributing factor for the success of many of the world’s best athletes, is fast becoming one of the most sought after ergogenic aids in the western world. Prized in the Orient for its rejuvenating properties and potent performance-enhancing effects it comes as no surprise that Deer Velvet has been considered the 'secret weapon' of Russian Olympic training programs and it may well become the future nutritional supplement of choice for athlete’s across the globe.
Recent research has uncovered that velvet antler contains a number of important nutrients including Native Type II Collagen; a very potent growth-promoting hormone known as Insulinlike growth factor (IGF-1); Essential Fatty Acids; Chondroitin Sulfate; Glucosamine; amino acids; minerals; trace minerals; enzymes and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Promising Results
New research into the effects of New Zealand deer velvet on athletes has produced some significant results. The latest human clinical trials conducted by the University of Otago Human Performance Centre indicate a possible link between New Zealand deer velvet and improved athletic performance on two fronts:
- Improved strength and endurance in response to training
- Improved recovery from muscle tissue damage associated with exercise.
In the first study, scientists at Otago University Human Performance Centre compared the development of muscle strength and endurance in groups of males taking different forms of New Zealand deer velvet to a control group taking a placebo. In the study, 51 male athletes undertook a 12-week period of supervised training during which strength and endurance were monitored. The group taking a powdered form of New Zealand deer velvet showed greater improvements in isokinetic strength and muscular endurance as a result of training than that of the control group. The second study was designed to determine what role New Zealand deer velvet has in athletic performance by affecting recovery from muscle injury. Creatine kinase, a substance found in the bloodstream, was used as an indicator of muscle tissue damage. The thirty athletes in the trial ran downhill on a treadmill to induce muscle tissue damage in the thigh muscles. Muscle biopsies and blood samples were then taken. Those athletes who had been on a course of New Zealand deer velvet powder for two weeks previously showed significantly reduced levels of creatine kinase in their bloodstream compared with those not on the deer velvet, possibly indicating less muscle damage. What was also interesting is that the athletes taking powdered New Zealand deer velvet reported a recovery from muscle soreness 24 hours earlier than the subjects receiving a placebo. This is extremely promising as it allows athletes to recover quicker and return to intense training sooner.
A 1974 study in Russia found dramatically improved performance by athletes given deer antler velvet on an exercise cycle. Athletes on the placebo performed 15 kilograms per meter dynamic work on a cycle test, whereas those given the antler velvet increased their work to 74 kilograms per meter.
The success of Russian athletes has been attributed to the use of deer velvet in Olympic training programmes, significantly increasing endurance and muscular strength, and attracting the attention of sports doctors and trainers around the world who are constantly looking for safe and natural alternatives to synthetic steroids and other banned substances.
Dr Arkady Koltun, Chairman of the Medical Committee for the Russian Bodybuilding Federation, is one of the foremost Russian researchers into anabolic agents that can improve the performance of athletes. Working with kayakers, weightlifters, bodybuilders and power lifters, Dr Koltun found that deer velvet actually increases muscular strength. He also found that it had potent nerve strengthening properties.
As a specific remedy in traditional medicine for anaemia it has been shown in experiments to have a potent erythropoietic effect, meaning that it stimulates the formation of red blood cells. This is exciting especially for endurance athletes who may find this to be an effective in improving their oxygen levels without being tempted to resort to substance like EPO.
In summary, the studies conducted in New Zealand, Russia and China thus far have shown deer velvet to be effective in:
- increasing strength and endurance
- increasing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood
- repairing tissue damage from exertion
- boosting the immune system of athletes
- speeding up recovery from injuries
ling the product can provide the grade, potency and research of the velvet you are The dose for deer velvet is very much dependent on the needs of the athlete and the goals one is trying to achieve however most companies encourage 300mg to 1000mg per day. The only concern here is quality. As with any product there are many companies that will offer cheap, adulterated forms just to get sales and boost profits. With all the research I have done it seems that Red Deer Velvet is the most potent of all. Regardless, I encourage you to ensure that the company selling the product can provide the grade, potency and research of the velvet you are purchasing.
With more studies underway I am convinced (as are many others) that deer velvet is poised to be one of the most versatile multipurpose natural remedies to arrive in the West.
This information is provided as a source of reference only. No medicinal claims, direct or implied should be taken. Information provided, and products supplied by Mountain Red Limited or World Of NZ Ltd are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Further information from our Deer Velvet Blog:
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