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Velvet elk antler (Cervus canadensis) harvested at peak bioactive density before calcification and freeze dried to preserve the full spectrum of naturally occurring joint and vitality compounds. Each 250mg capsule delivers collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and bioactive peptides.

What Makes Velvet Antler Unique

During the velvet growth phase, elk antler is among the fastest growing tissues in the animal kingdom growing up to 2.5cm per day. This rapid growth is supported by a dense concentration of bioactive compounds not found in calcified antler or conventional joint supplements. Pre calcification harvest captures this compound profile at its peak.

Why Freeze Dried

Freeze drying (lyophilization) removes moisture at low temperature under vacuum, preserving heat sensitive growth factors, peptides, and the naturally occurring collagen and glycosaminoglycan complex. Conventional heat drying and spray drying destroy these bioactive compounds. Freeze drying is the gold standard for preserving the full bioactive profile of velvet antler.

Naturally Occurring Bioactive Compounds

Compound Role in Joint and Connective Tissue Health
Collagen Type II Primary structural protein in articular cartilage; supports cartilage integrity and cushioning
Chondroitin Sulfate Key glycosaminoglycan in the cartilage extracellular matrix; supports cartilage hydration and resilience
Glucosamine Essential building block for glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in joint cartilage
Hyaluronic Acid Primary lubricating component of synovial fluid; supports joint mobility and connective tissue hydration
Bioactive Peptides & Growth Factors Tissue support factors preserved by freeze drying; absent in heat-dried antler products

Quality and Licensing

  • Health Canada licensed — NPN 80047374
  • Freeze dried — full bioactive compound profile preserved
  • Cervus canadensis (elk) — pre-calcification harvest
  • Vegan capsule — hypromellose, no gelatin
  • Non-GMO | Gluten free | Made in Canada

Velvet Elk Antler 250mg | Freeze Dried | Joint and Vitality Support | 30 Vcaps

Regular price $24.25
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Health Canada Licensed Natural Health Product (NPN 80047374)

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Velvet elk antler (Cervus canadensis) harvested at peak bioactive density before calcification and freeze dried to preserve the full spectrum of naturally occurring joint and vitality compounds. Each 250mg capsule delivers collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and bioactive peptides.

What Makes Velvet Antler Unique

During the velvet growth phase, elk antler is among the fastest growing tissues in the animal kingdom growing up to 2.5cm per day. This rapid growth is supported by a dense concentration of bioactive compounds not found in calcified antler or conventional joint supplements. Pre calcification harvest captures this compound profile at its peak.

Why Freeze Dried

Freeze drying (lyophilization) removes moisture at low temperature under vacuum, preserving heat sensitive growth factors, peptides, and the naturally occurring collagen and glycosaminoglycan complex. Conventional heat drying and spray drying destroy these bioactive compounds. Freeze drying is the gold standard for preserving the full bioactive profile of velvet antler.

Naturally Occurring Bioactive Compounds

Compound Role in Joint and Connective Tissue Health
Collagen Type II Primary structural protein in articular cartilage; supports cartilage integrity and cushioning
Chondroitin Sulfate Key glycosaminoglycan in the cartilage extracellular matrix; supports cartilage hydration and resilience
Glucosamine Essential building block for glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in joint cartilage
Hyaluronic Acid Primary lubricating component of synovial fluid; supports joint mobility and connective tissue hydration
Bioactive Peptides & Growth Factors Tissue support factors preserved by freeze drying; absent in heat-dried antler products

Quality and Licensing

  • Health Canada licensed — NPN 80047374
  • Freeze dried — full bioactive compound profile preserved
  • Cervus canadensis (elk) — pre-calcification harvest
  • Vegan capsule — hypromellose, no gelatin
  • Non-GMO | Gluten free | Made in Canada

Supplement Facts

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 2 Capsules

Servings Per Container: 7 (at 4 capsules/day — 2 caps × 2 times/day)

Ingredient
Amount Per
Serving
% Daily
Value
Velvet Elk Antler (Cervus canadensis, Antler, Freeze Dried)
500 mg

† Daily Value not established

Other Ingredients:
Hypromellose (Vegetable Capsule Shell), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate (Vegetable Source)

Clinical Research

Elk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritis: phase II trial

Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 2008

This randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial examined the effects of elk velvet antler supplementation on disease activity, pain, and functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that elk velvet antler supplementation produced significant improvements in grip strength and patient reported pain scores compared to placebo over the study period. The authors attributed the effects to velvet antler's naturally occurring growth factors (IGF-1, TGF-beta) and glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid) that support joint tissue maintenance and healthy inflammatory response in connective tissue. The findings directly support velvet elk antler's use for joint health and vitality support.

The effects of deer antler velvet extract or powder supplementation on aerobic power, erythropoiesis, and muscular strength and endurance characteristics

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2003

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of deer antler velvet supplementation on aerobic power, muscular strength, endurance, and erythropoiesis in healthy male athletes over a 10 week resistance training program. The study found that velvet antler supplementation was associated with significant improvements in isokinetic knee extension strength and endurance compared to placebo, with the authors noting that IGF-1 and growth factor activity in velvet antler may support muscle protein synthesis and connective tissue repair during training. The findings provide direct clinical evidence for velvet antler's role in supporting physical performance and vitality consistent with its 2,000-year history of use as a TCM tonic for stamina and physical performance.

Composition and biological activity of velvet antler

Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 1996

This compositional analysis of Canadian elk (Cervus elaphus) velvet antler examined its protein, growth factor, glycosaminoglycan, and mineral content across different antler sections and harvest times. The study found that Canadian elk velvet antler contains significant concentrations of IGF-1, collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and glycosaminoglycans with growth factor concentrations highest in the tip section harvested during peak growth phase. The study confirmed that freeze drying preserves the growth factor and glycosaminoglycan profile more effectively than conventional drying methods, directly supporting the formulation rationale for freeze dried Canadian velvet elk antler in this formula.

Research information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace the product's approved label information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is velvet elk antler and what is it used for?

Velvet elk antler (Lu rong,Cervus elephus, unossified antler) is the rapidly growing, pre-calcified antler tissue of elk, harvested humanely during the active growth phase before the antler hardens into bone. Lu rong has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years as a tonic for vitality, joint health, and physical performance. Elk antler is among the fastest growing tissues in the animal kingdom capable of growing up to 2.5 centimetres per day during peak season driven by a dense concentration of growth factors, structural proteins, and glycosaminoglycans.

What bioactive compounds are naturally present in velvet elk antler?

Velvet elk antler (Lu rong) is a naturally occurring whole-food source of a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds including: insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), collagen type II (the primary structural protein of articular cartilage), chondroitin sulfate (a key proteoglycan in cartilage matrix), hyaluronic acid (a glycosaminoglycan that provides joint lubrication and hydration), and additional glycosaminoglycans.

Who should not take velvet elk antler?

Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use if you have heat from Yin deficiency, heat in the blood level, phlegm heat in the lungs, blazing stomach fire, or warm febrile disease. People with high fever, cold and rapid pulse (blood pressure) should consult a healthcare practitioner before use. If you are taking prescription medications, consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if new symptoms develop, consult a healthcare practitioner. For prolonged use, consult a healthcare practitioner. Keep out of reach of children.

What is the difference between velvet antler and hard antler?

Velvet antler (Lu rong) is harvested during the active growth phase before the antler calcifies and hardens into bone. During this phase, the antler tissue is soft, vascular, and rich in growth factors (IGF-1, EGF, TGF-beta), collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and glycosaminoglycans. Once the antler hardens into bone (hard antler), the growth factors and bioactive peptides are no longer present hard antler is primarily calcium and mineralized collagen with no meaningful growth factor activity

Why is freeze drying important for velvet antler?

Freeze drying removes moisture by sublimation at low temperatures, bypassing the liquid phase entirely. This preserves heat-sensitive growth factors (IGF-1, EGF, TGF-beta), bioactive peptides, and enzymes that are denatured by the elevated temperatures used in conventional spray drying or heat drying. Conventional drying methods can destroy the growth factor activity that makes velvet antler bioactive. Freeze dried velvet antler retains its complete bioactive compound profile delivering the most potent form of velvet antler available in capsule format.

How does velvet antler support joint health?

Articular cartilage is composed primarily of collagen type II and proteoglycans including chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. These compounds provide the compressive strength, hydration, and elasticity that allow joints to absorb impact and move smoothly. Velvet antler (Lu rong) is a naturally occurring whole food source of collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and glycosaminoglycans the primary structural components of articular cartilage along with growth factors (IGF-1, TGF-beta) that support chondrocyte (cartilage cell) activity and cartilage matrix maintenance. This combination of structural components and growth factors makes velvet antler a uniquely comprehensive joint support ingredient.

What is IGF-1 and why is it present in velvet antler?

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is the primary anabolic growth factor responsible for the extraordinary growth rate of velvet antler up to 2.5 centimetres per day during peak season. IGF-1 binds to IGF-1 receptors on muscle, cartilage, and connective tissue cells, stimulating protein synthesis and cell proliferation. It is the compound most associated with velvet antler's effects on tissue repair, muscle support, and physical performance. Velvet antler also contains IGF-2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), which together support a broad spectrum of tissue maintenance and repair activity. Freeze drying preserves IGF-1 and these heat sensitive growth factors conventional drying methods can destroy them.