Deer Velvet
OTHER NAME(S): deer antler velvet, deer horn velvet, deer velvet, lu rong, velvet antler
Overview
Deer velvet refers to the growing antlers of a male deer or reindeer. Products that contain deer velvet are often marketed for improving athletic and sexual performance. However, very little research has been done to study this substance. Its safety and benefits are not well defined. Before taking deer velvet, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is deer velvet used for?
Deer velvet is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some reasons that people use deer velvet include the following.
- Osteoarthritis
- To improve athletic performance
- To increase sexual function
Note: The FDA has not reviewed deer velvet for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does deer velvet work (mechanism of action)?
Deer velvet refers to the soft, growing antlers of a male deer or reindeer. Every year, male deer grow new antlers that eventually harden into a bone-like material. Antlers that have not yet hardened still have an active blood supply and contain protein, minerals, and hormones. Deer velvet gets its name from the soft, velvety hairs that cover these immature antlers.
Deer velvet has a long history of use in the traditional medicine system in China where it is known as lu rong. Deer velvet differs from elk velvet, which comes from elk and may contain different chemicals.
Certain chemicals in deer velvet, called peptides, are thought to act as antioxidants and help reduce swelling (inflammation). The hormones in deer velvet are also thought to improve athletic and sexual performance. But very little research has been done to understand how deer velvet may work in the body. There is currently no evidence that it is helpful for any use.
Natural substances, like deer velvet, contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific deer velvet product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are taking.
How should I store deer velvet?
You should store deer velvet according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of deer velvet?
There is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by deer velvet. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of deer velvet that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of deer velvet?
While less common, the most serious side effects of deer velvet are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Deer velvet may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking deer velvet and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use deer velvet?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take deer velvet.
- Deer velvet
- Velvet antler
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific deer velvet products they stock.
What should I know about deer velvet before using it?
Deer velvet is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep deer velvet out of the reach of children.
Deer velvet naturally contains many different substances. Deer velvet comes from male deer that live in various locations and are exposed to different climates and environments. Each source of deer velvet may contain different types and amounts of hormones and other chemicals. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Deer velvet is available in many different forms, including liquids and sprays that are placed under the tongue, gummies, dried ground powder, and capsules. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in deer velvet.
If you are taking deer velvet as a gummy, chew the gummy well before swallowing. If you are taking deer velvet powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the product label carefully and follow the instructions on the label. If you are taking a liquid product, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.
Many dietary supplements that are marketed for boosting sexual and athletic performance contain multiple ingredients. Some of these products may also contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals. These prescription medicines can cause serious side effects and can also interact with other medicines. Use caution when buying a deer velvet product because it may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.
The FDA has not tested deer velvet products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using deer velvet?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if deer velvet is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Other Medicines and Supplements.Deer velvet may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking deer velvet, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how deer velvet could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if deer velvet passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does deer velvet interact with foods or drinks?
There is not enough research to know if deer velvet interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.
Does deer velvet interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between deer velvet and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with deer velvet is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking deer velvet with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much deer velvet?
If you or someone else has used too much deer velvet, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Deer velvet is a complex substance that contains many different chemicals. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take deer velvet safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- The American Journal of Chinese Medicine: “Deer velvet antler extracts exert anti-Inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects on human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes and distinct mouse arthritis.”
- Archives of Sexual Behavior: “Effect of deer velvet on sexual function in men and their partners: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.”
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: “Anti-fatigue effect of an enzymatically derived deer velvet extract through muscle damage recovery and improvement of antioxidant levels.”
- Operation Supplement Safety: “Deer antler velvet in dietary supplements.”
- Pharmaceuticals: “Sika deer velvet antler peptide exerts neuroprotective effect in a Parkinson’s disease model via regulating oxidative damage and gut microbiota.”