Antler Farms Deer Antler Velvet Extract: My Honest Review

Key Ingredients: New Zealand Red Deer Antler Velvet 75:1 Extract (contains full growth factor matrix: IGF-1, IGF-2, TGF-A, TGF-B, EGF, EPO, BMPs, FGF, GDF9, Interleukins, NGF, PDGF, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)

My Review & Rating: 3.7/5  – Premium concentrated deer antler extract using 75:1 ratio from New Zealand red deer to deliver complete growth factor matrix supporting recovery, joint health, muscle building, and athletic performance through sublingual absorption.

Strengths:

• Extremely high 75:1 concentration ratio – takes 75 pounds of raw antler to make 1 pound of extract (most competitors use 10:1 or 50:1)
• Complete growth factor matrix preserved – contains all 13+ growth factors in natural ratios, not just isolated IGF-1
• Verified IGF-1 content disclosed – Liquid spray: 25,000ng per bottle; Tablets: 100,000ng per bottle (most competitors can’t prove content)
• New Zealand red deer sourcing – premium quality from controlled farms, not random collectives
• Cold-processed without alcohol or heat – preserves delicate growth factors that other extraction methods destroy
• Up to 95% bioavailability – sublingual delivery bypasses digestive destruction for maximum absorption
• Direct farm-to-bottle control – company owns the farms, ensuring quality from deer to final product
• Proprietary extraction removes calcium – eliminates insoluble unusable components, concentrates only bioactive compounds
• 30 years of R&D – established process refined over decades, not fly-by-night operation
• Two potency options – liquid spray (moderate) and mega-dose tablets (advanced)
• Transparent about what’s inside – clearly states growth factor content vs. competitors hiding behind vague claims
• No fillers or artificial ingredients – uses natural stevia and lemon for flavor, minimal necessary binders

Weaknesses:

• Extremely expensive – $199 for 30 capsules bottle (100,000ng) , depending on potency, significantly higher than competitors. The spray is $169.
• IGF-1 content still in nanograms – even 25,000-100,000ng is tiny compared to body’s natural production (micrograms daily)
• Poor value compared to proven alternatives – could get better muscle/recovery results from creatine, HMB, collagen for fraction of cost
• Limited clinical research – while deer antler has studies, this specific 75:1 extract hasn’t been independently tested
• Sublingual hold time is inconvenient – must hold under tongue 90 seconds for liquid, tablets must dissolve slowly
• Taste may be unpleasant – despite stevia and lemon flavoring, deer antler extract has earthy/gamey taste
• Takes weeks to show effects – not immediate performance boost, requires 2-4 weeks consistent use
• Results are subtle for most users – modest recovery and joint benefits, not dramatic muscle building
• Tablets contain multiple binders – sodium bicarbonate, dicalcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, talc, cellulose
• Marketing claims are ambitious – “world’s strongest extract” and “no other company comes close” are subjective
• No independent third-party testing disclosed – company controls quality but no outside verification shown
• Liquid requires refrigeration after opening – inconvenient for travel or gym bag

Also read: My current list of top, recommended igf-1 supplements for bodybuilding & muscle recovery

Best Use/Best Suited For:

Serious athletes, bodybuilders, or fitness enthusiasts aged 30-50 with disposable income ($150-$200+/month budget) who want premium recovery support, joint health maintenance, and subtle performance enhancement through natural growth factors rather than synthetic compounds.

Perfect for those who’ve maximized basic supplementation (protein, creatine, vitamins) and want to explore advanced recovery options, or individuals dealing with joint discomfort from intense training who prefer whole-food-based supplements over pharmaceutical options.

Best for people who value quality sourcing, extraction methodology, and bioavailability over cost considerations.

NOT suitable for budget-conscious users, beginners to supplementation (start with proven basics first), anyone expecting dramatic muscle-building or strength gains comparable to prohormones/SARMs, or those seeking immediate performance effects rather than gradual long-term optimization.

How We Rank It (Compared to Other Deer Antler/IGF-1 Supplements):

3.7/5 Stars – Antler Farms is the premium option in deer antler supplements.

It’s probably the highest quality deer antler extract you can buy.

The 75:1 concentration ratio is genuinely impressive compared to competitors using 10:1 or 50:1.

Most companies can’t prove how much IGF-1 is actually in their products.

Antler Farms clearly states 25,000ng (spray) or 100,000ng (tablets) per bottle.

The fact they own the farms and control the entire process matters for quality.

New Zealand red deer are considered the gold standard for deer antler quality.

The cold-processing method preserves growth factors that heat or alcohol extraction destroys.

Up to 95% bioavailability through sublingual delivery is a real advantage.

But here’s the reality check:

Even 100,000 nanograms of IGF-1 is only 0.1 micrograms.

Your body naturally produces 100,000-300,000 nanograms of IGF-1 DAILY.

So even the mega-dose tablets provide 0.0001% of your body’s daily IGF-1 production.

The amount of growth factors in deer antler extract is functionally negligible.

What you’re really paying for:

The complete matrix of 13+ growth factors working together.

Collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and minerals that support joints.

Trace amounts of bioactive compounds that may signal recovery processes.

Premium sourcing and extraction methodology.

The placebo effect of taking an “elite” recovery supplement.

Compared to other deer antler products:

Antler Farms is 2-3x more expensive than Hi-Tech Pro IGF-1 or Bucked Up.

But it’s probably 2-3x higher quality in terms of concentration and purity.

If you’re going to use deer antler, this is the best version available. However, deer antler itself has limited research supporting dramatic benefits.

Compared to proven recovery supplements:

Collagen peptides have way more research and cost 75% less.

Creatine is more effective for muscle building and costs 90% less.

HMB has better evidence for recovery and costs 60% less.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin has decades of joint health research and costs 70% less.

The honest assessment:

Antler Farms makes the best deer antler extract on the market.

But “best deer antler extract” doesn’t mean “best recovery supplement.”

The growth factor content is too low to significantly impact physiology.

Most benefits likely come from the collagen, minerals, and joint-supporting compounds.

You’re paying a massive premium for marketing, sourcing, and extraction process.

Who should buy this:

High-earning athletes who want the absolute best of everything.

People who’ve tried everything else and want to explore premium options.

Those who respond well to deer antler and want maximum potency.

Individuals who value sourcing, extraction quality, and company transparency.

People with significant disposable income ($100+/month) for supplementation.

Who should skip this:

Anyone on a budget or concerned about cost-effectiveness.

Beginners who should start with proven basics (protein, creatine, vitamins).

People expecting muscle-building results comparable to prohormones or SARMs.

Those wanting immediate performance effects rather than gradual recovery support.

Anyone who could better spend that money on food, training, or proven supplements.

The bottom line in simple terms:

Antler Farms is like buying a luxury car – it’s the best quality available, but you’re paying a huge premium over alternatives that get you to the same destination.

If money is no object and you want the absolute best deer antler extract, this is it.

But most people would see better results spending that $100+/month on creatine, collagen, HMB, and quality whole foods.

The science supporting deer antler is much weaker than the science supporting basic recovery supplements.

You’re paying for premium sourcing and extraction, not necessarily premium results.

My recommendation:

Try proven recovery basics first: creatine, collagen, HMB, beta-alanine, proper nutrition.

If those are maxed out and you still want more, then consider premium options like Antler Farms.

Or choose something like HyperGH 14X which gives you deer antler PLUS comprehensive HGH support for less money.

Don’t make Antler Farms your first or only recovery supplement – it should be the cherry on top of an already solid foundation.

Best Recommended Alternatives:

For Similar Growth Factor/IGF-1 Support:

• HyperGH 14X – Natural HGH booster with amino acids + 200mg deer antler, comprehensive growth hormone optimization for $70-80/month
• Hi-Tech Pro IGF-1 – Deer antler velvet with disclosed IGF-1 content at $60-70/month, more affordable than Antler Farms
• Bucked Up Deer Antler Spray – Sublingual deer antler with supporting ingredients, mid-range pricing

For Recovery & Joint Support (Better Value):

• Collagen peptides (10-20g daily) – Proven joint, tendon, ligament support for $20-30/month
• UC-II undenatured collagen (40mg) – Clinically proven joint health at tiny dose, $25-35/month
• Glucosamine (1500mg) + Chondroitin (1200mg) + MSM (1500mg) – Extensive research for joint support, $25-40/month
• Hyaluronic acid (100-200mg) – Joint lubrication and recovery, $20-30/month

For Muscle Recovery & Building (More Effective):

• Creatine monohydrate (5g daily) – Most proven muscle builder, $10-15/month
• HMB (3g daily) – Anti-catabolic muscle preservation, $30-40/month
• Beta-alanine (3-6g daily) – Enhanced endurance and recovery, $15-25/month
• Tart cherry extract (500-1000mg) – Recovery and inflammation reduction, $20-30/month

For Natural Anabolic Support:

• Turkesterone (500-1000mg daily) – Ecdysteroid for muscle protein synthesis, $40-60/month
• Epicatechin (250-500mg daily) – Myostatin inhibitor for muscle growth, $30-50/month
• Laxogenin (100-200mg daily) – Plant-based anabolic, $40-60/month

After experimenting with countless supplements promising improved recovery and performance, I’ve learned to be skeptical. When I decided to try Antler Farms Deer Antler Velvet Extract, I approached it with measured expectations despite the impressive claims. After using it for 8 weeks, I’m ready to share my first-hand experience.

What Is Deer Antler Velvet?

Before diving into the product itself, you might be wondering what deer antler velvet actually is. It’s the soft, fuzzy tissue covering growing antlers of male deer before they harden. This tissue contains growth factors, including IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), which has become popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts for its potential recovery benefits.

Antler Farms’ Product Quality

What immediately stands out with Antler Farms Deer Antler Velvet Extract is the sourcing. The company uses New Zealand red deer antler velvet, which I’ve found to be considered the gold standard. Their 75:1 extract ratio is significantly higher than many competitors I’ve tried, meaning each spray delivers a more concentrated amount of the active components.

The spray contains 25,000 ng of IGF-1 per bottle, which is substantial compared to other products on the market. I also appreciate that it’s alcohol-free (unlike some competitors), uses natural lemon flavor with stevia for sweetness, and incorporates liposomal technology for better absorption.

My Experience Using Antler Farms’ Extract

I used the recommended dose of 6 sprays under my tongue, twice daily. The lemon flavor is pleasant—not too strong or artificial tasting. I made sure to hold it under my tongue for the full 20 seconds before swallowing to maximize absorption.

During the first week, I didn’t notice much difference. This is typical with most supplements, so I wasn’t concerned. By week two, I started seeing some subtle changes:

Recovery Benefits

The most noticeable effect for me was improved recovery. After intense training sessions that would typically leave me sore for 2-3 days, I found myself bouncing back quicker—often feeling ready to train again the next day. This was particularly evident after leg days, which usually wreck me for 48+ hours.

Sleep Quality

I wasn’t expecting this, but I experienced deeper, more restful sleep while using this product. This could be indirectly related to improved recovery, but it was a welcome benefit regardless.

Joint Comfort

As someone with occasional knee discomfort from years of running, I noticed less stiffness in my joints. This effect was mild but consistent throughout my use.

What I Didn’t Notice

Despite some of the more ambitious claims sometimes associated with deer antler velvet, I didn’t experience:

• Dramatic muscle gains (my size and strength improved, but at a pace consistent with my training program)
• Significant energy boosts
• Any hormone-related effects

Comparing to Other Deer Antler Products

I’ve tried three other deer antler supplements before Antler Farms. The main differences I noticed were:

The extract quality is noticeably better. Many cheaper products have a harsh aftertaste or alcohol base that burns. Antler Farms’ spray is clean-tasting and pleasant to use.

Most importantly, the recovery effects were more pronounced with Antler Farms compared to the others I’ve tried. I attribute this to the higher concentration (75:1 extract) and standardized IGF-1 content.

Potential Drawbacks

Price Point

At around $60-70 per bottle, this is definitely on the premium end of the spectrum. While I found the quality justified the cost, it might be prohibitive for some people to maintain long-term.

Sports Eligibility Concerns

If you’re a competitive athlete, you should know that despite deer antler velvet being WADA-compliant since 2013, the IGF-1 content might still raise flags in some organizations. Do your research before using if you compete at a high level.

Mild Side Effects

I experienced no side effects, but a friend who tried the product reported mild headaches during the first few days. These subsided quickly and weren’t severe enough to stop usage.

Who Would Benefit Most?

Based on my experience, Antler Farms Deer Antler Velvet Extract would be most beneficial for:

• Athletes with intense training schedules needing faster recovery
• People over 35 looking for joint support alongside workout recovery
• Anyone struggling with post-workout soreness that interferes with consistency

If you’re primarily looking for dramatic muscle gains or energy boosts, you might be disappointed, as the effects are more subtle and recovery-focused.

How to Get the Most From This Product

After experimenting with timing and dosage, I found these approaches worked best:

• Take one dose immediately post-workout when your body is primed for recovery
• Take the second dose before bed to support overnight recovery
• Be consistent—the effects seem to build up over time
• Combine with proper nutrition and hydration (it’s not a magic solution)

My Overall Rating: 3.7/5

Antler Farms Deer Antler Velvet Extract delivers on its core promises of supporting recovery and joint health. While not miraculous, the effects are noticeable and beneficial for serious trainees. The high-quality sourcing, concentrated formula, and absence of fillers or questionable ingredients make this a standout in the deer antler velvet category.

The price point prevents me from giving it a perfect score, as many people will find it difficult to maintain long-term. Additionally, while effective for recovery, it doesn’t deliver dramatic results in other areas sometimes claimed for deer antler products.

If you’re serious about your training and recovery is a priority, this product is worth trying if you have other things sorted out -nutrition, training, basic supplements. For casual gym-goers, the benefits might not justify the cost.

If money is no object and you want the absolute best deer antler extract, this is it.

But most people would see better results spending that $100+/month on creatine, collagen, HMB, and quality whole foods.

The science supporting deer antler is much weaker than the science supporting basic recovery supplements.

You’re paying for premium sourcing and extraction, not necessarily premium results.

My recommendation:

Try proven recovery basics first: creatine, collagen, HMB, beta-alanine, proper nutrition.

If those are maxed out and you still want more, then consider premium options like Antler Farms.

Antler Farms Deer Antler Velvet Extract Performance evaluation

1. Muscle Building Potential: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

The science behind oral IGF-1 is sketchy at best – your stomach acids typically destroy these compounds before they reach your bloodstream. The spray delivery might help a tiny bit compared to pills, but results are still minimal for most users. Don’t expect significant muscle gains from this. Try instead: Creatine monohydrate, whey protein isolate, or HMB supplements.

2. Recovery Support: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Some users genuinely report joint pain relief and faster recovery with deer antler velvet. There’s a bit more evidence for its anti-inflammatory properties than direct muscle-building effects. It might help you bounce back between workouts, especially if you have joint issues. Try instead: Collagen peptides, fish oil, or curcumin supplements.

3. Value for Money: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

This is expensive for what you’re getting. The 75:1 concentration sounds impressive, but when the base ingredient has minimal evidence, concentration only helps so much. You could spend this money on supplements with proven benefits and get much better results. Try instead: Basic protein powders, EAAs, or research-backed recovery aids.

4. Scientific Support: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Despite claims, oral IGF-1 supplements have almost no solid research backing them. The few studies on deer antler velvet show minimal effects on strength or muscle. The spray delivery might be slightly better than pills but still faces the same digestive breakdown issues. Try instead: Creatine, beta-alanine, or other ingredients with actual human research.

5. Ingredient Quality: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

The New Zealand sourcing is a legitimate plus – they have strict standards for deer farming and antler harvesting. The company seems to prioritize quality control in their sourcing and manufacturing. The 75:1 concentration process appears legitimate. Try instead: Other New Zealand deer velvet products or traditional Chinese medicine options.

6. Safety Profile: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Generally considered safe with minimal side effects reported. The lack of extensive long-term safety testing is a concern. Deer antler products could potentially influence hormone levels in sensitive individuals, though effects are likely minimal with typical usage. Try instead: Amino acid complexes, protein supplements, or other thoroughly tested options.

Key Ingredients in Antler Farms Deer Antler Velvet Extract

IGF-1 supports muscle growth and recovery. Glucosamine aids joint health maintenance. Chondroitin promotes cartilage strength. Growth factors encourage tissue repair. Amino acids support protein synthesis. Calcium builds bone strength. Collagen maintains connective tissue health.