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Deer antler velvet is a remarkable nutrient-dense superfood, containing 40 key compounds and 400 active ingredients, including the powerful protein IGF-1. Scientists have established that it contains 13 growth factors, 21 amino acids, 20 glycosaminoglycans and many minerals and trace elements, and it's believed these work synergistically in the human body to restore the body's systems to balance.

Its medicinal value was recognised by the Romans and central Europeans as promoting wellbeing and good health, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used it as a medicinal herb for over 2000 years, its use in therapeutic formulas second only to Ginseng. This traditional usage is now being shown by research to have significant therapeutic effects, validating its use and making a compelling case for its inclusion as a supplement in our every day life. It is a completely safe, 100% natural, and well tolerated dietary supplement.

Deer antlers are unique in that they are the only organised mammalian tissue that completely regrows, and does so every year. Many lower animals such as newts can renew damaged parts of their bodies, but antler growth is the only example of mammals being able to regrow large complex organs. Not only that, but it also grows extraordinarily rapidly, and this rapid growth is likely to be regulated by pharmacodynamic substances that are either unique, or that can be found in other tissues but are at particularly high concentrations in deer velvet.

Research suggests that unlike the regenerative process in the newt, antler growth appears to involve specific stimulation of the necessary stem cells present in the vicinity. The regeneration of antlers remains one of the mysteries of biology, but scientists are gradually moving toward understanding the mechanisms involved. Although deer velvet research has so far barely scratched the surface, it may be that these same mechanisms are responsible for the healing and anti-ageing effects of velvet on the human body when taken as a supplement.   

Because velvet antler regenerates completely each spring, it can be removed annually by a humane process carried out under strict guidelines by a vet. Whether they are removed or left to cast naturally, antlers are replaced the following spring by the same natural growth process, so deer velvet is a renewable resource, and velvet removal benefits the welfare of stags by reducing the risk of injury by fighting during the mating season. 

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The active ingredients in Deer Velvet are mostly precursors, or building blocks, that are required by the body to keep it's own systems in balance, maintain health and wellbeing, and stimulate its natural control systems. It has been shown to provide powerful support for the immune system, and is a natural source of immunoglobulins (otherwise known as antibodies), which fight infection and disease. Its growth factor content provides support for anti ageing and the circulatory system as well as enhancing energy and stamina. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, deer antler velvet was prescribed for over 50 different diseases and scientific research carried out since the 1920's in the west confirms many of these benefits. Deer velvet is best known in the western world for use by athletes for supporting strength, endurance and recovery from heavy training, and by the elderly for protecting and restoring joint health, but people are increasingly discovering the benefits for general health, immune function, blood pressure and cardiovascular health, restoring normal cholesterol balance, and improved mental function. 

The general health benefits of Deer Antler Velvet that have been identified which are supported by scientific studies are:

•   Support for growth
•   Supporting immune function
•   Healthy joint function
•   Bone health
•   Blood health
•   Athletic performance
•   Aiding recovery after tissue injury 
•   Support for memory function
•   Increased fertility and libido in both sexes
  
•   Support for blood pressure and cardiovascular health 

It's important to understand that the benefits are highly dependent upon the quality of antler used, as well as the processing methods used in the manufacture of velvet antler products. Many velvet antler manufacturers use only the lower calcified portions of the antler, which are considerably cheaper to source than the upper sections, and contain significantly less cartilaginous tissue containing the most important bio-active compounds. Velvet antler processed in whole form appears to provide the widest selection of chemical compounds associated with the benefits claimed in the research cited.

We use only the highest quality 'whole stick' velvet antler harvest at the optimum time ensuring our velvet is the best available. Our triple extraction process then concentrates the essential proteins, amino acids, and IGF factors, providing enhanced bioavailability of up to 80% - compared to typically 10-20% for most other products on the market. 

VelPure is also ’standardised’, meaning its active content has been analysed during processing and its Active IGF-1 and Growth factors level set to a predetermined level to ensure guaranteed potency and consistent efficacy effects.

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Absolutely. In New Zealand, the harvesting of velvet is controlled by a strict Veterinary Code of Conduct, and carried out either by, or under the supervision of a veterinarian. A mild anesthetic is administered at the time of removal when the antler is mainly formed of cartilage and is well-supplied with blood vessels. The stags are then immediately released to graze. 

Deer velvet regenerates naturally every year so the deer are not killed for their antlers, and in New Zealand, deer are prized animals, and their health and well-being is of the utmost importance to the farmers. This practice has the endorsement of veterinarians, animal behaviorists and animal welfare watchdogs.

In fact, stags that are farmed for velvet production in NZ have a relatively long life - often 10 years or more - and because they are farmed in extensive pastoral systems with few other interventions apart from routine health procedures, they generally have a life of good quality.

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Our deer velvet capsules are the highest quality available, made from New Zealand red deer velvet humanely harvested at maximum potency.

Our triple extraction process concentrates the essential proteins, amino acids, and IGF factors, providing enhanced bioavailability of up to 80% - compared to typically 10-20% for most other products on the market. Our product is also ’standardised’, meaning its active content has been analysed during processing and its Active IGF-1 and Growth factors level set to a predetermined level to ensure guaranteed potency and consistent efficacy effects. 

We use only deer antler velvet collected from antibiotic free, growth hormone free, New Zealand free-range farmed deer that is screened for disease and agricultural and chemical contaminants including chronic wasting disease (CWD), pesticides, fertilizers and PCB's. The antler is humanely removed at the optimum time using a low-level local anesthetic, under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The removal is a quick and painless procedure designed to minimize stress to the animal.

We guarantee the potency of VelPure deer antler velvet, and we're confident it offers the best 'bang for the buck' on the market. If for any reason you are not absolutely delighted with our products or your results, just return the unused portion or empty bottle within 60 days of the date of purchase, for a full refund, credit or exchange.

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New Zealand deer velvet is grown in one of the world’s most pristine and natural farming environments. Our deer are farmed entirely in the great outdoors - on land that stretches from lush green pasture all the way to rugged and beautiful snow-capped mountains, and New Zealand’s isolation means that its farm animals are well protected from pests and diseases found elsewhere in the world.

This temperate land is surrounded by thousands of square kilometres of ocean, and is refreshed by bracing southerly winds and snow slurries that bring clean air all the way from Antarctica. Because the animal health status of New Zealand deer is so high, and the animals are pasture fed, they are raised in conditions remarkably similar to their ancestral environment. 

With such an ideal environment for growing deer, it's not surprising that New Zealand leads the world in both production of and research on deer antler velvet (DAV), and has built a reputation for producing the finest deer velvet available, with free roaming pasture raised, 100% grass-fed herds and strict animal welfare codes to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all animals. 

Intensive genetic selection has seen the quality and conformation of New Zealand deer antler velvet improve dramatically, and today’s national herd of well over a million animals includes some of the world’s finest bloodlines. 

In research carried out at the lnvermay Research Centre in Otago, scientists compared the composition of New Zealand Red Deer Antler Velvet with the velvet traditionally regarded as the world's best from Russia and China, and while the mineral content was similar, the lipid content was significantly greater in the New Zealand Red Deer Antler Velvet.

Even more exciting... recent studies show that NZ DAV now contains more of the lipids and proteins linked to the bioactivity and health benefits than it did just 30 years ago. A study led by scientist Stephen Haines analysing antler from the 2018-19 season showed that the valuable upper portion of the antler made up 25% more of the whole antler than it did in 1991, and overall lipids increased by 4% and proteins by 25%.

“The impressive progress deer farmers have made increasing antler size has been matched by equally impressive improvements in velvet composition,” Haines said.

VelPure is made from the finest quality NZ deer antler velvet available, humanely harvested at the peak of potency under under direct veterinary supervision using a government-approved code of welfare. Our deer are routinely tested and monitored for disease and agricultural and chemical contaminants, including chronic wasting disease (CWD), pesticides, fertilizers and PCB's. New Zealand is widely acknowledged as producing the purest, best quality deer antler velvet in the world.

Our velvet antler is labelled immediately after removal using authorised unique identification labels to ensure traceability and then processed using the best of traditional methods combined with the latest modern processing technology, resulting in the highest levels of hygiene, purity, and product quality. 

We are totally committed to the very highest standards of animal welfare, and unlike animals killed for their meat, our stags have a long and happy life, with few other interventions apart from routine health procedures. In fact, with a lifespan of 10 years or more, we're confident our deer have a longer and happier life than their wild cousins!

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Virtually everyone can benefit from deer antler velvet due to its broad range of benefits. Men and women of all ages can benefit from taking VelPure because it supports the whole body’s ability to adapt to and resist stress, diseases, degeneration and toxins. Deer antler velvet helps bring the body's systems back into balance and also has potential anti-aging properties which will benefit everybody - regardless of age! 

Due to deer antler velvet's ability to support healthy joint structure and function, older people can improve their flexibility and mobility by using deer antler velvet.

Research suggests that deer antler velvet also has a positive effect on athletic performance, including increases in muscle strength, endurance and recovery, and many athletes take deer velvet supplements as part of their regular training programs.

In fact, many high performing sports people from all round the world have reported increased energy, strength and endurance, faster recovery from training, competition and injury, including New Zealand Olympic Gold medalist and back-to-back world title holder single scull rower, and America's Cup yachtsman Rob Waddell. Rob has also held the record for the fastest 2000 metre indoor rowing machine time in the 30-39 age category in the world - since 2008!

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There have been no reported cases of side effects or toxicity from using Deer Anter Velvet when taken in recommended doses.

This has been supported by scientific studies. In New Zealand, Zhang et al. (2000) demonstrated that, after acute administration of a high dose (2 g/kg) of New Zealand deer velvet as well as after subchronic treatment (90 days) with a moderate dose (1 g/kg), no signs of toxicity and no abnormal changes were observed in male and female Wistar rats either at a gross or histopathological level.

In TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine), doses up to 9g/day are sometimes used for brief periods of up to 10 days.

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There can be a huge variation in quality and potency in antler velvet when harvested, dependant on many factors including health of the animal, the food it consumes, climate, and stage of removal. Because of this many of our competitors products (usually, but not necessarily the cheaper brands) contain velvet of such low quality, or in amounts that fall well short of the dosage required to achieve any real benefits. 

Each capsule of VelPure Ultra provides the equivalent to 1100mg of premium dry antler velvet powder. Unlike many of our competitors, it is 'standardised' to ensure you will get not less than 250ng of IGF-1, and 2,000ng of Growth Factor Complex per tablet.

RECOMMENDED DOSE

For general health, the standard recommended dose is two tablets of VelPure Ultra be taken daily, in a split dose night and morning, preferablyan hour before, or two hours after food. 

However, every individual is different and a higher or lower amount may be appropriate depending on your overall state of health, and current health conditions you may have.

For athletic performance, chronic joint pain such as arthritis and rheumatism, and also for people over 220lbs (100kg), the dose can be increased to one tablet three times a day or two tablets twice a day. We suggest initially starting on two tablets a day and increasing the dose to 3 after two weeks.

SAFETY

Deer antler velvet has a long safe history of use dating back over 2,000 years. To our knowledge no adverse effects have been reported when taken in the recommended dosages. In TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine), doses up to 9g/day are used for brief periods of up to 10 days, and studies carried out by AgResearch at Invermay, New Zealand, have shown huge doses of deer velvet extract can be given to mice with no significant adverse side effects.

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VELPure deer velvet antler extract is an ‘adaptogen’ which works on a cellular level to support the body’s own systems. Because every person is unique, factors such as the current condition of the immune system, how well the digestive system is working, blood type, enzyme levels, and many other factors all determine the time it will take for appreciable changes to take place.

As is the case with most natural health supplements, the effects of velvet antler tend to be gradual and cumulative. Some people notice beneficial results within a week, but typically, significant benefits are seen after 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use.

It is important to use deer antler velvet products on a consistent basis to receive the full benefits, and the results are also more readily noticeable with some conditions compared to others. For example certain effects like reduced arthritis symptoms and improved sleep are often experienced within weeks of taking VelPure, while it may take 30-60 days or more to experience benefits such as lowered cholesterol, muscle recovery, and strength gains.

Benefits may include mental (mood & focus), cosmetic (skin, hair & nails), sexual (vitality), athletic (strength, stamina, & recovery), and systemic (whole body, including stronger immune system). 

To learn more, see 'Is There Any Credible Science to Back Up The Empirical Evidence'  below, or read this comprehensive paper and meta-analysis on New Zealand deer velvet.

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VelPure is a completely safe, natural, and legal nutritional supplement. Since early 2013, WADA (The World Anti-Doping Agency) has removed deer antler velvet extract from its list of banned substances and has recently reaffirmed that deer antler velvet extract is safe for all athletes to use.

In fact, many high performing sports people from all round the world have reported increased energy, strength and endurance, faster recovery from training, competition and injury, including New Zealand Olympic Gold medalist and back-to-back world title holder single scull rower, and America's Cup yachtsman Rob Waddell. Rob has also held the record for the fastest 2000 metre indoor rowing machine time in the 30-39 age category in the world - since 2008!

Note: Some companies (targeting body builders in particular) mix chemically synthesised hormones or steroids with their deer antler products. Avoid these products, as they are highly likely to cause liver damage, as well as being on the WADA (The World Anti-Doping Agency) list of banned substances. 

Also, there is a risk of contamination where products are processed in plants which manufacture and pack a large number of different ‘white-label’ nutraceutical products, as are a number of US processed deer velvet products. VelPure is processed and packaged in a certified plant in New Zealand that exclusively handles deer velvet products, eliminating any risk of methyltestosterone or contamination by any other banned substances to occur.

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Despite widespread misinformation about deer antler velvet on the internet, review of literature related to the use of velvet antler products as an alternative to drugs provides compelling evidence to support the claim that compounds in velvet antler may be significantly more effective and longer-lasting than many conventional prescription and non-prescription drugs for relief of the symptoms of osteoarthritis. 

In fact the use of velvet antler is scientifically supported in compliance with FDA regulations for its beneficial effects in treating arthritis, and growing numbers of people suffering from Osteoarthritis are reporting less pain and greater joint mobility. 

Most over-the-counter and prescription treatments for osteoarthritis attempt to reduce pain and maintain joint function, but do little to restore joint health. In fact, many of these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs actually prevent the growth of collagen in joints, causing further cartilage damage, and can also have serious side effects such as kidney and liver damage.

On the other hand, research shows that deer velvet works to reduce the pain and inflammation of Osteoarthritis by addressing the underlying causes of the condition - something drugs and ‘off-the-shelf’ pharmacy supplements containing nutrients synthesized in a lab by scientists have not been able to accomplish.

The literature also suggests that velvet antler may provide additional benefits such as increased vitality, enhanced cardiovascular health, improved mental health and relief of some conditions associated with ageing. Other research indicates that velvet antler may assist in growth and strength training, with the benefit that as a natural dietary supplement, velvet antler does not produce drug-related side effects and is therefore considered by many researchers to be safer for use than most conventional drugs.

Since the earliest velvet antler research in Russia in the 1930’s, scientists and pharmacists have attempted to provide sound scientific reasoning for the many purported therapeutic effects, and over 250 articles have been published on the manufacture, composition, and biochemical effects . 

Much of this research this has taken place in Asia - particularly in China, Korea, Hong Kong and Japan, and in the former USSR, but in recent years an increasing amount of research has also been carried out in Western countries such as Australia, USA, Europe, Canada and New Zealand.

It is clear that in general the research that has been carried out tends to support the thinking of Traditional Chinese Medicine - that deer velvet’s effects on the human body are restorative, strengthening and protective. Russian scientists have termed velvet an ‘adaptogen’, meaning a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress.  

A number of studies on the effects of deer antler velvet on animals have also been carried out. Along with the clinical studies that have been done on lab rats, there has also been considerable interest on the health benefits for pets - mainly cats and dogs. A clinical, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study was carried out by the University of Montreal on the effects of quality elk velvet antler (QEVA) on dogs with osteoarthrosis. The study concluded that "Administration of QEVA was effective in alleviating the condition in arthritic dogs."

Summary

Much more research still needs to be done; it is likely there are as yet undiscovered bioactive compounds which may be unique to velvet antler, and current research studies are limited by the fact that many of the reported effects appear firstly to be dependent on an integrated 'whole body system' (something in vitro testing can't show), and secondly the effects on the body are due to the synergistic effects of two or more compounds present in velvet antler. 

"The international antler research has entered the stage of molecular biology, and will no doubt have a profound impact on the modern biomedical fields, such as regenerative medicine, organ degeneration and dysplasia, trauma medicine and anti-inflammatory treatment, growth factor research, as well as creation of new medical thinking." - The contribution of deer velvet antler research to the modern biological medicine - Huo YS1, Huo H, Zhang J.

We strongly believe that if you want to take a 100% natural supplement to support your general health, then deer antler velvet is possibly the single most beneficial natural product you could take. There is significant credible research evidence to support the claims that use of velvet antler can enhance joint structure and function as well as other benefits including increased vitality, improved cardiovascular health, mood enhancement, and as an effective strength and training aid. 

However, it’s important to note that such benefits are highly dependent upon the quality of antler used and the methods used in processing, as well as the dose. Many products on the market have such low amounts of velvet powder (or use cheap low-quality velvet from dubious sources) as to be totally ineffective. At VelPure we use only the finest quality deer antler velvet, harvested from free-roaming, grass-fed New Zealand red deer at the peak of potency, and we use a triple extraction process that concentrates the essential proteins, amino acids, and IGF factors. Along with enhanced bioavailability of up to 80% (compared to typically 10-20% for most other products on the market), our customers can be confident that they will experience optimum efficacy effects from VelPure.

To learn more, here are some links to studies, articles, and books on deer antler velvet:

Books: 

1. Velvet Antler, Nature’s Superior Tonic by Alison Davidson, and
   
2. Remarkable Healing Power of Velvet Antler by Betty Kamen

Both are available on Amazon.com

Articles:

1. An interesting article about the use of deer velvet in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the philosophical differences between TCM and Western medicine, by Dr. Elaine Jette. Read Article Here
2. Vitamins In America Research Summary by Michael L Laughlan. Read Article Here
3. Velvet Antler: A Literature Review - Helen J. Batchelder - A useful overview of research done on the extraordinarily wide range of benefits ascribed to deer velvet. Read the Paper Here. (Opens in a new tab)
4. Velvet Antler Under the Microscope - Lisa Anne Marshall. From The March 2000 Issue of Nutrition Science News. Read the article HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Research Studies:

Clinical Properties of Deer Velvet 

A comprehensive study and meta-analysis of deer antler velvet by leading New Zealand researchers James M. Suttie, Ph.D. and Stephen Harris, Ph.D. Required reading for anyone interested in knowing more about the benefits of deer velvet and the science behind it.
View the paper HERE

The effects of New Zealand deer antler velvet supplementation on body composition, strength, and maximal aerobic and anaerobic performance. C.E. Broeder, R.Percival, J.Quindry, L. Panton, T. Wills, K.D. Browder, C. Earnest, A.L. Almada, S.R. Haines and J.M. Suttie.

This study investigated the physiological and potential performance enhancing effects of New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet (NZDAV) supplementation in men. Thirty-two males between the ages of 18 and 35 with at least 4 years of weight lifting experience were randomly assigned using a double-blinded procedure into either a placebo or NZDAV treatment group. 

The study concluded: “In conclusion, this results of this study suggest that NZDAV may have positive effects on body composition and strength/power in resistance training men. In addition, these data strongly suggests that NZDAV can significantly improve a person’s maximal aerobic performance. And finally, there was no indication that the short-term use of NZDAV supplementation causes any adverse blood chemistry responses in terms of markers for liver and kidney function, while possibly improving oxygen carrying capacity within blood.”
Download Paper HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Velvet Antler: It’s historical medical use, performance enhancing effects, and pharmacology - Dr John S Church
Another useful overview of research done on the extraordinarily wide range of benefits ascribed to deer velvet. Download the PDF HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Effects of repeated administration of deer antler extract on biochemical changes related to aging in senescence-accelerated mice - Wang, Ben-Xiang, et al. Department of Pharmacology, Department of Development for Natural Resources, Research Institute for WAKAN-YAKU (Oriental Medicine), Toyama 930-01, Japan

Abstract:
Several biochemical parameters related to aging were evaluated after a hot-water extract prepared from unossified pilose antler of Cervus nippon TEMMINCK var. mantr'httricus Swinhoe (Rokujo) had been administered orally for 8 successive days to senescence-accelerated mice (SAM), a novel murine model of spontaneously promoted aging. It was found that the repeated oral administration of Rokujo had significant restoring effects on the physiological degenerations which were associated with the development of senile symptoms. These effects included 1) an increase in the plasma testosterone level in male mice; 2) a decrease in the contents of malondialdehyde in the liver and brain; 3) an increase in the liver protein contents; 4) an increase in the liver superoxide dismutase activity; and 5) a decrease in activity o monoamine oxidase B in the liver and brain membranes.

“The present data suggest that Rokujo* may exert an anti-aging action in male senile animals.”

* ‘Rokujo’ is the Japanese name for deer antler velvet.
Download the paper HERE

First Evidence that Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) Velvet Antler Extract Suppresses Migration of Human Prostate Cancer Cells - YuJiao Tang, Byong-Tae Jeon, Yanmei Wang, Eun-Ju Choi, Yon-Suk Kim, Jin-Woo Hwang, Pyo-Jam Park, Sang Ho Moon, and Eun-Kyung Kim. Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources. 2015.

Abstract:
Taken together, our findings indicate that the T-DVA possesses anti-migration activity on prostate cancer cells. This is the first study of DVA to report the anti-migration activity on prostate cancer

Download the paper HERE

Wound healing by a 3.2 kDa recombinant polypeptide from velvet antler of Cervusnippon Temminck
Zha, E., Gao, S., Pi, Y. et al. Biotechnol Lett (2012) 34: 789. doi:10.1007/s10529-011-0829-8

Abstract
Velvet antler (VA) is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of ailments including the enhancement of wound healing. A 3.2 kDa recombinant polypeptide of VA from sika deer was purified and compared to native polypeptides stimulation growth of NIH3T3 cells. Both stimulated growth in a dose-dependent manner (10–100 μg/ml). To study its wound healing properties, burn-wounded rats were topically administered with recombinant VA polypeptide or native polypeptide. Rats treated with 0.05 and 0.1% (w/w) polypeptides exhibited significant wound healing. As the yield of recombinant polypeptide was 40-fold higher than that of the native polypeptide, it may therefore be a useful biopharmaceutical.
Visit Website HERE

Clinical evaluation of a powder of quality elk velvet antler for the treatment of osteoarthrosis in dogs- Maxim Moreau, Jacques Dupuis, Norbert H Bonneau, and Manon Lécuyer

A clinical, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study in which quality elk velvet antler was evaluated on client-owned dogs with osteoarthrosis. 
Read the article HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Elk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritis: phase II trial. - Allen M1, Oberle K, Grace M, Russell A.

The purpose of this phase II clinical trial was to examine safety of elk velvet antler taken concurrently with rheumatoid arthritis medications and to determine efficacy by dose to enable sample size estimation and dose standardization for a larger study. It was concluded that elk velvet antler can be taken safely in conjunction with a number of rheumatoid arthritis medications and should be studied further to assess efficacy.
View the study HERE

Turning Back The Clock With Velvet Antler - Dr Stephen Centre, MD. Medical Director, Readicare Urgent Care Centers of America.
View the report HERE

For a more exhaustive list of research documents go HERE

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. 

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Books: 

1. Velvet Antler - Nature’s Superior Tonic, by Alison Davidson
   
2. Remarkable Healing Power of Velvet Antler, by Betty Kamen
3. Velvet Deer Antler - The Ultimate Antiaging Supplement, by Alex Duarte
4. Red Deer Valvet Antler - A Powerful Traditional Chines Tonic, by James Devlin, Ph.D., N.D.
5. Velvet Antler - A Gift From Nature, by Cindy Ewashkiw, D.T. and Marion Allen, PhD, R.N. 

Articles:

1. An interesting article about the use of deer velvet in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the philosophical differences between TCM and Western medicine, by Dr. Elaine Jette. Read Article Here
2. Vitamins In America Research Summary by Michael L Laughlan. Read Article Here
3. Velvet Antler: A Literature Review - Helen J. Batchelder - A useful overview of research done on the extraordinarily wide range of benefits ascribed to deer velvet. Read the Review HERE (Opens in a new tab)
4. Velvet Antler Under the Microscope - Lisa Anne Marshall. From The March 2000 Issue of Nutrition Science News. Read the article HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Research Studies:

Scientific Information Relating to the Use of Deer Velvet as a Dietary Supplement - Technical Manual V6.4 

The purpose of this publication by leading New Zealand researchers SR Haines and James M. Suttie, is "to provide a link between the reported scientific information on velvet and information required by laypeople producing, selling or consuming velvet". Required reading for anyone interested in knowing more about the benefits of New Zealand deer velvet and the science behind it.

View the paper HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Clinical Properties of Deer Velvet

A comprehensive study and meta-analysis of deer antler velvet by leading New Zealand researchers James M. Suttie, Ph.D. and Stephen Harris, Ph.D. 
View the paper HERE (Opens in a new tab)

The effects of New Zealand deer antler velvet supplementation on body composition, strength, and maximal aerobic and anaerobic performance. C.E. Broeder, R.Percival, J.Quindry, L. Panton, T. Wills, K.D. Browder, C. Earnest, A.L. Almada, S.R. Haines and J.M. Suttie.

This study investigated the physiological and potential performance enhancing effects of New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet (NZDAV) supplementation in men. Thirty-two males between the ages of 18 and 35 with at least 4 years of weight lifting experience were randomly assigned using a double-blinded procedure into either a placebo or NZDAV treatment group. 

The study concluded: “In conclusion, this results of this study suggest that NZDAV may have positive effects on body composition and strength/power in resistance training men. In addition, these data strongly suggests that NZDAV can significantly improve a person’s maximal aerobic performance. And finally, there was no indication that the short-term use of NZDAV supplementation causes any adverse blood chemistry responses in terms of markers for liver and kidney function, while possibly improving oxygen carrying capacity within blood.”
Download Paper HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Velvet Antler: It’s historical medical use, performance enhancing effects, and pharmacology - Dr John S Church
Another useful overview of research done on the extraordinarily wide range of benefits ascribed to deer velvet. 
Download the PDF HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Effects of repeated administration of deer antler extract on biochemical changes related to aging in senescence-accelerated mice - Wang, Ben-Xiang, et al. Department of Pharmacology, Department of Development for Natural Resources, Research Institute for WAKAN-YAKU (Oriental Medicine), Toyama 930-01, Japan

Abstract:
Several biochemical parameters related to aging were evaluated after a hot-water extract prepared from unossified pilose antler of Cervus nippon TEMMINCK var. mantr'httricus Swinhoe (Rokujo) had been administered orally for 8 successive days to senescence-accelerated mice (SAM), a novel murine model of spontaneously promoted aging. It was found that the repeated oral administration of Rokujo had significant restoring effects on the physiological degenerations which were associated with the development of senile symptoms. These effects included 1) an increase in the plasma testosterone level in male mice; 2) a decrease in the contents of malondialdehyde in the liver and brain; 3) an increase in the liver protein contents; 4) an increase in the liver superoxide dismutase activity; and 5) a decrease in activity o monoamine oxidase B in the liver and brain membranes.

“The present data suggest that Rokujo* may exert an anti-aging action in male senile animals.”

* ‘Rokujo’ is the Japanese name for deer antler velvet.
Download the paper HERE

Wound healing by a 3.2 kDa recombinant polypeptide from velvet antler of Cervusnippon Temminck
Zha, E., Gao, S., Pi, Y. et al. Biotechnol Lett (2012) 34: 789. doi:10.1007/s10529-011-0829-8

Abstract
Velvet antler (VA) is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of ailments including the enhancement of wound healing. A 3.2 kDa recombinant polypeptide of VA from sika deer was purified and compared to native polypeptides stimulation growth of NIH3T3 cells. Both stimulated growth in a dose-dependent manner (10–100 μg/ml). To study its wound healing properties, burn-wounded rats were topically administered with recombinant VA polypeptide or native polypeptide. Rats treated with 0.05 and 0.1% (w/w) polypeptides exhibited significant wound healing. As the yield of recombinant polypeptide was 40-fold higher than that of the native polypeptide, it may therefore be a useful biopharmaceutical.
Read the study HERE

First Evidence that Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) Velvet Antler Extract Suppresses Migration of Human Prostate Cancer Cells - YuJiao Tang, Byong-Tae Jeon, Yanmei Wang, Eun-Ju Choi, Yon-Suk Kim, Jin-Woo Hwang, Pyo-Jam Park, Sang Ho Moon, and Eun-Kyung Kim

his is the first study to report the anti-migration activity of DVA on prostate cancer cells.
Read the study HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Clinical evaluation of a powder of quality elk velvet antler for the treatment of osteoarthrosis in dogs- Maxim Moreau, Jacques Dupuis, Norbert H Bonneau, and Manon Lécuyer

A clinical, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study in which quality elk velvet antler was evaluated on client-owned dogs with osteoarthrosis. It's worth pointing out that the many pet owners and vets who report very positive results from deer antler velvet supplements for their pets are clearly not being influenced by the 'placebo effect' - animals are unaffected by this! 
Read the study HERE (Opens in a new tab)

Elk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritis: phase II trial. - Allen M1, Oberle K, Grace M, Russell A.

The purpose of this phase II clinical trial was to examine safety of elk velvet antler taken concurrently with rheumatoid arthritis medications and to determine efficacy by dose to enable sample size estimation and dose standardization for a larger study. It was concluded that elk velvet antler can be taken safely in conjunction with a number of rheumatoid arthritis medications and should be studied further to assess efficacy.
View the study HERE

Turning Back The Clock With Velvet Antler - Dr Stephen Centre, MD. Medical Director, Readicare Urgent Care Centers of America.
View the report HERE

For a much more exhaustive list of relevant research, please see our Research Page

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. 

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Certainly not... it's benefits have been known and documented for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). 

Having said that, even though deer antler velvet has long been prized as a sought-after remedy in parts of the world particularly China, Japan, Korea, and Russia, it's benefits have only relatively recently been recognized in the Western world, and it's effects on the body are not fully understood by western science.

It is likely there are as yet undiscovered bioactive compounds which may be unique to velvet antler, and current research studies are limited by the fact that many of the reported effects appear firstly to be dependent on an integrated 'whole body system' (something in vitro testing can't show), and secondly the effects on the body are due to the synergistic effects of two or more compounds present in velvet antler. 

According to Y Huo et al, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX - in 'The contribution of deer velvet antler research to the modern biological medicine': "The international antler research has entered the stage of molecular biology, and will no doubt have a profound impact on the modern biomedical fields, such as regenerative medicine, organ degeneration and dysplasia, trauma medicine and anti-inflammatory treatment, growth factor research, as well as creation of new medical thinking." 

When Deer Antler Velvet first came on the radar of the West, it was for it's reputed aphrodisiac qualities, and that along with it's association with mysticism and various over-hyped claims resulted in many people dismissing it as a legitimate health product. Sadly this probably hindered it's acceptance and obscured it's far more wide reaching benefits for general health and helps to explain why it has taken so long to become accepted in the West - particularly in the United States.

In traditional Chinese medicine, support for a healthy libido was just one of many accepted benefits of deer velvet, and then mainly as an indirect benefit of bringing the vital forces of the body into balance, resulting in better general health and vitality. After all, when the body is under stress, sex drive is one of the first things to suffer. however, deer velvet is not specifically used as an aphrodisiac, as often believed.

While deer velvet will support healthy sexual function as a consequence of generally improved health and vitality and it's anti-fatigue properties, we believe that marketing deer velvet specifically as an 'aphrodisiac' is misleading ...if not unethical. This sort of pigeon-holing only serves to distract from it's many scientifically supported benefits such as improving joint health, supporting the immune system, enhanced cardiovascular health, improved mental health, and relief of some conditions associated with ageing.

If you're looking for a natural viagra substitute you may be disappointed, but if you want powerful tonic to support your general health and wellbeing ...along with support for a healthy libido, then deer antler is a very good choice.

Our advice: If you come across a website selling deer antler velvet specifically as an aphrodisiac... be extremely skeptical, it's likely to be an unethical marketer out to make a quick buck!

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Many other deer velvet manufacturers who transport their IGF-1 through water in spray form make claims that their sprays are better than capsules.

It's not quite as simple as saying one is better than the other. For a start a spray under the tongue may get deer velvet into your system faster, however faster doesn’t necessarily translate to better absorption or higher potency. If you start with a low quality raw product, it doesn't matter how it is ingested - the benefits will always be limited.

VelPure is a ‘whole extract’ containing the full range of bioactives, while these sprays usually contain minuscule quantities of IGF. 

We start with the very highest quality New Zealand red deer velvet harvested at the peak of potency. It then undergoes our triple extraction process which concentrates the essential proteins, amino acids, and IGF factors, providing up to 80% bioavailability. VelPure capsules have been designed for maximum absorption in order for our customers to achieve the full benefits of this product.

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Under US FDA and EU regulations, only registered drugs can legally claim to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." Deer antler velvet is a natural dietary supplement, NOT a drug, therefor we cannot make such a claim, and we are required to show the following standard disclaimer on our website: 

"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

Because the FDA in the United States regulates claims for dietary supplements differently to medicinal drugs, although it does not "approve" dietary supplements, it does allow producers to "substantiate structure/function claims" through critical review of scientific studies.

As only registered drugs can legally claim to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease", the only option for dietary supplements to make health claims, under both EU and US law, is to have such products licensed as drugs. 

Even if such supplements have randomised, controlled trials showing positive results in treating a particular illness, claims to "treat, cure, or prevent" that disease can’t be made because the trials have been performed using unwell patients, rather than healthy subjects.

What we can say, is that it has been substantiated by scientific evidence in compliance with US Food and Drug Administration dietary supplement regulations, that there is a reasonable basis to claim that deer antler velvet helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis by providing "nutritional support for joint structure and function". 

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It is always prudent to inform your doctor when you start a new supplement, particularly if you are taking medication. If your GP is not familiar with Deer Antler Velvet, he can contact us via email. 

The purpose of the guarantee is to enable people to give VelPure a fair trial. We want to encourage as many people as possible to experience the rejuvenating benefits of high quality Deer Antler Velvet, and we stand behind our product, so our guarantee is simple:

100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

VelPure products are sold with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You may contact VelPure (“VelPure”) at support@velpure.com within 60 days of the original order date for 100% refund of the product purchase price (excluding any shipping and handling charges) and obtain an RMA number and shipping instructions to return any unused product. Upon receipt of your return shipment, VelPure will issue a full refund if your funds have already been collected, and shall only be paid on a one-time basis per household (as determined in VelPure’s sole discretion based on customer order data and IP address). In addition, VelPure reserves the right to refuse a refund to anyone reasonably suspected by VelPure to have previously taken advantage of VelPure’s satisfaction guarantee on more than one occasion. Except as prohibited by applicable law, you acknowledge and agree that (i) giving you a refund in accordance with the terms and restrictions that are set forth herein is the full and complete liability that VelPure has to you, (ii) the length of the refund period as set forth herein is fair and reasonable. You further agree to take recommended daily dose of the VelPure product during the initial 30 day period following your product order as a material consideration required by VelPure as part of the purchase price. You further warrant that you will make a determination during the initial 60 day period if the product is as described and to decide whether you wish to keep the product. If you do not notify VelPure during the refund period in the manner described herein, you agree that VelPure may construe your silence as a full, complete and final acceptance of the terms of the sale of VelPure products and, express as prohibited by law, you will have no further right of redress or refund for any reason. If you’re living in locations that require custom duties and/or VAT taxes to be collected you understand that, unless custom duties and/or VAT taxes are collected at the point of sale by VelPure, you remain entirely responsible for payment of any/all custom duties and taxes at the time the product is delivered pursuant to your instructions. If, for any reason, VelPure’s courier or freight account is charged for custom duties and/or VAT taxes, instead of you paying the referenced charges directly, then you hereby authorize VelPure to bill your credit card for such charges or for the return of goods if they are refused at the point of destination. VelPure Terms of Use and Conditions for Sale (the “Terms and Conditions”) are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent that there is any conflict between this Refund Policy and the Terms and Conditions then the Terms and Conditions shall control.

200% Refund Guarantee

Further to the above terms, if you find a superior deer antler product to VelPure at a lower price, we’ll double your money back (excluding any shipping and handling charges). Just tell us the name of the superior product you’ve found, and why you believe it is superior to VelPure. 

Returning your order

To inform us that you would like to return an order, please contact us via our contact form here or email us at sales@velpure.net along with the reason for your return/exchange. To assist us to rectify any problems and maintain the highest standards for our customers, we ask that when requesting a refund, you explain why you were not satisfied with the results.

Because we can’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item, if you are returning a purchase over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. 

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Do You Accept International Orders?
Yes we ship internationally.

Do  You Ship To PO Boxes etc? 
Yes, we ship to PO Boxes, AFO, etc.

Where Does The Product Ship From?
To ensure you always receive VelPure at the peak of freshness and potency, we ship direct from our packing facility in New Zealand via New Zealand Post International Air Postage. 

When Will My Order Arrive?
Generally we will ship your order within 24 hours. However, if we are experiencing very high order volumes there could be a short delay. To avoid running out, we recommend you re-order well before expect to run out.

Orders to the US, Canada, UK, and Europe usually arrive within 7-10 business days once processed. Delivery times may vary depending on the time of year and postal volumes at the time - for example delivery times in December and early January can take longer than usual due to the increase in international mail volumes over the Christmas period.

What If My Product Arrives Damaged?
Please contact us by email or via our contact form if your order arrives damaged. 

Returning your order

To inform us that you would like to return an order, please contact us via our contact form here or email us at sales@velpure.net along with the reason for your return/exchange. To assist us to rectify any problems and maintain the highest standards for our customers, we ask that when requesting a refund, you explain why you were not satisfied with the results.

Because we can’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item, if you are returning a purchase over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. 

Please read our Guarantee and Refund Policy above before contacting us.

Returns should be sent to:

VelPure
PO Box 6430 Marion Square
Wellington 6141
New Zealand

info@velpure.net

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