Deer velvet (also known as deer antler velvet, velvet deer antler, and velvet antler, among other names) is an ingredient used in dietary supplement products touted to increase strength and improve endurance. Deer velvet is a soft, velvet-like hair that covers the growing antlers of certain deer, elk, moose, etc. Deer velvet powder in supplements actually can contain various parts of the antler such as bone, cartilage, and skin. The material is used in traditional Chinese medicine and in pharmaceutical and dietary supplement products. The growing antler material contains a variety of hormones, amino acids, minerals, and other compounds, including insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). However, scientific evidence does not support the use of deer antler to improve strength and endurance.

Without laboratory analysis there is no way to know for certain whether dietary supplements that list deer 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 because some deer velvet products might contain the prohibited substance IGF-1, WADA advises that “athletes exercise extreme caution with this supplement because it could lead to a positive test. Athletes who use these types of products do so at their own risk.”

Updated 07 March 2022