Evidence supporting the use of: Velvet
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Velvet antler, typically derived from deer or elk, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and other East Asian medical systems as a tonic, including for improving strength, stamina, and athletic performance. Historical texts and records describe its use for promoting vitality, enhancing physical endurance, and accelerating recovery after exertion. The rationale in traditional systems is based on the belief that velvet antler tonifies the kidney and nourishes the blood, thereby supporting overall vigor and resilience during physical activity.

Modern scientific research on velvet antler’s effects as an athletic or exercise aid is limited and largely inconclusive. Small studies have investigated potential benefits such as increased strength, improved recovery, or enhanced aerobic capacity, but results are mixed and frequently methodologically weak. Systematic reviews and expert panels (such as those from the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database) generally conclude that there is insufficient reliable evidence to support its efficacy in improving athletic performance. Most studies are small, lack rigorous controls, and often use differing formulations or doses.

In summary, velvet antler’s association with athletic and exercise support is rooted mainly in traditional use, with only modest and inconsistent scientific investigation to date. Thus, its use for this purpose is primarily justified by historical rather than strong scientific evidence.

More about Velvet
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids

Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine

Products containing Velvet

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.