Possible side effects of deer antler velvet

Question

My doctor suggested I try deer antler velvet. But I am not sure about it.

Does deer antler velvet have any side effects? Does it help growth? Are there any scientific studies about it?

Answer 1

There are several on-line resources to begin a survey of deer antler velvet. Most are adverts which appear to only offer a glowing picture of its properties, for example Antler Farms claim:

Modern scientific research indicates that deer antler velvet may have beneficial effects related to:

• improvement in general health
• increase in blood supply and circulation
• reduction of blood pressure
• increase in energy levels and endurance
• increase in muscular development and strength
• improvement in flexibility and joint mobility
• increase in muscle recovery
• prevention and reduction of inflammation
• improvement in sexual health
• development of the skeletal system
• stimulation of the immune system function
• improvement in mental health
• anti aging effects

and all for $199/month!.

Antler Farms lists the ingredients of DAV, and a more commercialized version:

Our product contains the full growth factor matrix:

• Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I
• Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II
• Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-A)
• Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B)
• Epidermal growth factor (EGF)
• Erythropoietin (EPO)
• Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)
• Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
• Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9)
• Interleukins
• Nerve growth factor (NGF) and other neurotrophins
• Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
• Vascular endothelial growth factor

and possible side effects as:

Caution: Symptoms of deer antler velvet overdose include bloody nose, dizziness, headache or red eyes. Some people report upset stomach. In these cases, reduce the dosage or discontinue use. Information regarding safety and efficacy during pregnancy and lactation is lacking, so please avoid use during these times. Xylitol, a natural sweetener contained in our deer antler velvet extract, is toxic to dogs. Do not give deer antler velvet extract to pets.

For scientific studies, the product is not recognised by the US FDA.

The Deer Industry of New Zealand has guidelines for the DAV production processes, and the New Zealand Medical Journal has an article which disputes some of the claimed properties.