Deer antler velvet: Is it prohibited?

Deer antler velvet (also known as deer velvet, velvet deer antler, and velvet antler, among other names) is the soft, velvet-like skin that covers the growing antlers of certain deer, elk, moose, etc. It is considered to have growth-promoting properties that contribute to the rapid growth of the deer’s antler. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is one of several growth factors present in the deer’s antler velvet.

Deer antler velvet is not on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients list, but products containing IGF-1 are prohibited for use.

Deer velvet is touted to improve athletic performance, strength, and endurance, but there is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims. The safety surrounding deer velvet as a dietary supplement has not been well researched.

As a dietary supplement, deer antler velvet is often marketed as a “natural” source of various growth factors, including IGF-1. However, it is unclear what substances are retained once the velvet is removed from the antler, dried, and formulated as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, sprays, and tinctures. 

Without laboratory testing there is no way to know for certain whether dietary supplements that list deer antler velvet among their ingredients do or do not contain IGF-1, which is on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients list. For more information, read the OPSS article about IGF-1.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not explicitly prohibit deer antler velvet, but notes that “Deer Antler Velvet Spray may contain IGF-1 and WADA recommends therefore that athletes be extremely vigilant with this supplement because it could lead to a positive test.” In addition, WADA also states: "IGF-1 is a prohibited substance and has been included on the Prohibited List for years. On the other hand, very small quantities of IGF-1 can be found naturally in animal products (e.g. colostrums, deer antler velvet)."

Updated 08 August 2025