Deer antler velvet, a substance used in Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years, can provide increased energy, improved muscle strength and enhanced athletic performance. Although this steroid alternative is legal, it has caused controversy within professional sports in the past.

Mountain Red CEO Karen Morley says deer velvet contains over 396 active ingredients, and when harvested and handled properly, offers an incredible range of health benefits.

“Deer Velvet Antler has a long, safe history of traditional use in a number of cultures around the world. Velvet is a cornerstone ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, and contains essential building blocks for your body’s growth, restoration and development, including the growth factors IGF-1 and IGF-2, proteins, amino acids, collagen and lipids.”

IGF-1 (insulin growth factor) is a hormone similar to insulin that affects growth, and although it occurs naturally within deer antler velvet, many professional sports leagues have banned the substance. However, WADA ruled that the amount of IGF-1 occurring in deer antler velvet does not warrant banishment—a relief for athletes who want to play by the rules.

“Our family has farmed Red Deer for 30 years and our completely sustainable process ensures animal welfare is never compromised. We use minimal processing, creating a product that is free of drugs, chemicals, additives and preservatives, with a fully sustainable and traceable product back to individual animals,” says Ms Morley.

Several studies indicate that all natural powder capsules, the supplement’s most potent form, can benefit athletes’ recovery time and running speed.