Professional sports have been around for thousands of years and have been an integral part of nearly every society. As time passes, the techniques and methodologies athletes use have taken their performance to new heights.
However, there’s a limit to what humans can achieve naturally. Some athletes turn to substance abuse to increase their chance of victory, and this comes in many forms.
Anabolic steroids are one of the most popular ways people do so, but using deer antler velvet is also common. It’s on the banned supplements list in many sports, but not everyone understands the reason behind this decision.
So, why is deer antler velvet banned? Let’s explore the key information you should know.
What Is Deer Antler Velvet?
This term refers to the natural material that grows on and covers deer antlers. It’s sometimes used as a medicine in Western countries, but it also has certain uses as a supplement for enhanced athletic performance.
Deer antler velvet contains estradiol and estrone, which are female sex hormones. It’s believed that it also contains substances that aid with cell growth and function.
Why Is Deer Antler Velvet Banned?
Deer antler velvet is banned due to the sex hormones it contains and the impact it has on cell growth, function, and recovery. It gives athletes who use it an unfair advantage, making it a prohibited substance in professional sports.
Athletes who test positive for deer antler velvet are likely to face serious punishment from the organization in charge of their sport. In some situations, they could get permanently disqualified from competing.
Active Ingredients
This substance’s active ingredients contain various proteins, minerals, lipids, and water. It also contains growth factors, glycosaminoglycans, and amino acids. These help restore homeostasis to people who don’t have the required balance of nutrients.
Uses
Deer antler velvet can be used for many purposes outside of athletic performance. Some people find it to be effective at improving their sexual function. Others find they have increased muscular strength, endurance, and recovery.
It’s worth noting that many people experience different effects, and you might not have the same results as someone else. Blood pressure reduction is another potential benefit of using deer antler velvet. You should monitor your health closely in the weeks you consume this substance so you have insight into how it affects you.
Side Effects
There isn’t enough conclusive evidence to determine long-term side effects. However, there are special precautions to be aware of. It’s not recommended to consume deer antler velvet for more than 12 weeks regularly.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid using the substance. As previously mentioned, deer antler velvet can contain female sex hormones.
This can cause adverse reactions in those who have hormone-sensitive conditions. Some of the most notable include:
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Breast cancer
- Endometriosis
Keep this in mind when moving forward so you can avoid potential issues.
Using Deer Antler Velvet
Those who don’t compete in professional sports can freely use deer antler velvet if they’re wary of the side effects. More often than not, people administer this substance in liquid form by using a dropper.
You’ll need to hold the liquid under your tongue for approximately 60 seconds to maximize its absorption. Depending on the brand you choose, your dosage may vary.
Some products are more concentrated than others, and this may impact your dosage instructions. You can eat or drink immediately after consuming deer antler velvet, as well. When dosing, some users choose to take half the recommended dose in the morning and half in the evening.
This will allow them to consistently absorb the product throughout the day. Whether this will be a more suitable option for you will depend on how your body reacts to the substance. You can take deer antler velvet regardless of how much food you’ve recently consumed.
Some people tend to feel better when taking it on an empty stomach in the morning, though. Experiment with different doses so you can find what works best for you. Higher-end deer antler velvet products come in spray form, which is far more convenient to use.
If you notice health abnormalities after taking deer antler velvet supplements, it’s imperative to stop using them as soon as possible. This will likely prevent additional issues from occurring.
Sourcing Your Products
When purchasing deer antler velvet, it’s essential to source your products appropriately. The last thing you want is to purchase from a disreputable company.
During your search, consider their past reputation. This will provide valuable insight into the type of experience you’ll have from working with them. It’s best to find a company that has a large amount of positive feedback.
Keep an eye on how they respond to criticism, as well. If they get aggressive or defensive, this is a red flag you can’t ignore. You’ll also need to learn how to recognize shady websites, as these are likely scams.
Companies without a brick-and-mortar location listed on their site are ones you should avoid at all costs. The same can be said about sites that have a large number of grammar or spelling errors. Trust your intuition when making your decision so you avoid choosing a business that’s likely to take advantage of you.
The company you work with should also be fully transparent about how they source their products, as well. If they don’t provide information upon request, it’s essential to look elsewhere. With enough due diligence, you shouldn’t have an issue finding the best results for your needs.
Use Supplementation Appropriately
While deer antler velvet and similar substances can provide a great boost to your performance, it’s essential to consider whether they’re appropriate for your sport. Keep the answer to “Why is deer antler velvet banned” in mind to avoid complications you may have otherwise encountered.
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