Deer antler velvet has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a treatment for a variety of conditions. More recently, it has gained popularity in some circles as a supplement claimed to increase testosterone levels and provide other benefits like improved athletic performance and muscle gain. However, the evidence on whether deer antler velvet actually increases testosterone or provides any of these touted effects is limited and mixed.
What is deer antler velvet? Deer antler velvet refers to the soft, velvety tissue that covers growing deer antlers before they fully harden. It contains a number of compounds including growth factors like IGF-1, amino acids, minerals, and hormones. It is harvested from elk, red deer, and sika deer. Proponents claim that deer antler velvet may increase testosterone levels because it contains IGF-1. IGF-1 stands for insulin-like growth factor 1, which is a protein produced in the liver that has anabolic effects in adults. It is thought to act on the hypothalamus to stimulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which signals the testes to produce testosterone.
However, there is limited evidence that ingesting deer antler velvet boosts IGF-1 levels enough to increase testosterone. IGF-1 is degraded in the gastrointestinal tract, so orally ingesting deer antler velvet may not lead to sufficient absorption to cause appreciable effects. While small studies have found that taking deer antler velvet extracts for 10-12 weeks can slightly increase circulating IGF-1 levels compared to baseline, the effects are relatively small and unlikely to substantially affect testosterone.
A few small studies have examined the effects of deer antler velvet on hormonal levels:
- A 12-week study in 32 men found those taking deer antler velvet had a 14% increase in resting IGF-1 levels but no difference in testosterone levels compared to placebo.
- A 10-week study in 24 men found those taking deer antler velvet supplements had slightly increased IGF-1 levels but again no improvement in testosterone compared to the control group.
- A 12-week study in elite rowers found that deer antler velvet use increased IGF-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 modestly but found no significant changes in testosterone.
- A 2011 review examined 4 controlled studies on deer antler velvet supplements. It concluded there was no good evidence that it affects hormones like testosterone in humans.
So while deer antler velvet may increase circulating IGF-1 to a small degree,
human research has not found evidence that it boosts testosterone. The purported testosterone-enhancing effects appear to be marketing claims rather than scientifically proven benefits.
Does deer antler velvet have other benefits? There is also limited evidence for the other purported benefits like enhanced athletic performance and increased muscle mass. A few small studies show it may slightly improve strength in elite athletes when combined with training, but results are mixed. It’s unclear if supplements provide any meaningful benefit over proper training itself.
Overall there is not robust clinical data demonstrating deer antler velvet meaningfully improves muscle strength or
endurance, testosterone levels, or other markers of performance. Any small gains seen in elite athletes do not necessarily translate to average individuals or recreational fitness. The evidence for increased libido and improvement of sexual function in humans is also lacking.
Potential risks of deer antler velvet include allergic reactions and unknown effects on hormones. Long-term safety with repeated use has not been well studied. Caution is advised for anyone on hormones like testosterone, as deer antler velvet may interact with these.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it due to lack of safety data.
In summary, despite traditional use and supplement claims,
there is currently limited evidence that deer antler velvet meaningfully increases testosterone or improves performance. The few existing studies have had small sample sizes and inconsistent findings. Right now it appears unlikely to be a “magic bullet” for boosting testosterone or building muscle. As with any supplement, it’s wise to be skeptical of bold claims not backed by solid human research. Anyone concerned about low testosterone should speak to their doctor rather than self-prescribing supplements with unproven effects.
At Harmony Hormone Clinic, we offer comprehensive testing and evidence-based treatments for low testosterone, including testosterone replacement therapy when clinically appropriate.
If you are concerned about symptoms of low testosterone, schedule an appointment with our hormone health experts to get proper testing and tailored treatment plans. We use a science-backed approach to help patients optimize their hormones and vitality.
