What's in Deer Antler Velvet?

In order for deer to regrow new antlers every year there are some pretty powerful substances involved. The various components of antler velvet are listed below with a brief description of each. In isolation, each of these ingredients carries its own benefits, but with deer antler velvet the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Collagen

Extracellular proteins abundant in the skin, bone, cartilage, tendon, and teeth. Strong fibers that serve as connective tissue between cells. Think of collagen as the glue that holds everything (cells) together.

Chondroitin Sulfate

The building blocks of cartilage (chondro = cartilage). Helps repair damaged cartilage, regrow new cartilage, and maintain healthy joints. Found abundantly in deer antler velvet.

Glucasomine Sulfate

A component of chondroitin sulfate. Very important factor in rebuilding and maintaining connective tissue throughout the body. Glucosamine supplements marketed to help ease joint problems have become very popular.

Growth Hormones and Growth Factors

Insulin-like growth factors IGF-1 and IGF-2. Deer antler velvet contains these two growth factors, but more importantly provides the body with the raw materials and precursors necessary to increase its own growth hormone production. Studies have revealed that IGF-1 improves the absorption of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate.

Phospholipids

Major structural fats most of our cellular membranes are made of.

Minerals

Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulphur, sodium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and cobalt.

Other

Amino Acids (including all 8 essential)
Linolenic Acid (essential fatty acid)
Proteoglycans
Nucleotides
Prostaglandins

The impressive list of substances found in deer antler velvet work synergistically to help the body regenerate and revitalize itself. While you could supplement with each substance listed above on its own, consuming them in the combination nature intended provides the most healing benefits and results.