The most common question we get is - "is deer antler velvet a banned substance?" and the answer is "No." The 2nd most common question is when people assume it is banned and ask - why is deer antler velvet banned?
Here's an explanation of why deer antler velvet is actually NOT banned:
Despite its potential health benefits, deer antler velvet is not banned by any major sports organizations or governing bodies. This includes the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
While deer antler velvet has been placed on WADA's "monitoring list" in the past, it is currently not on the agency's list of prohibited substances. This means that it is not banned for use in sports, and athletes are allowed to use it if they choose to do so.
However, it is important to note that deer antler velvet is banned by some sports organizations, including the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and Major League Baseball (MLB). These organizations have their own rules and regulations regarding the use of substances in sports, and they may choose to ban substances that are not banned by other organizations.
In the United States, deer antler velvet is legal and can be purchased without a prescription. It is classified as a dietary supplement, and as such, it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are marketed, it can take action against a supplement if it is found to be unsafe or if the claims made about it are false or misleading.
In summary, deer antler velvet is not currently banned by any major sports organizations or governing bodies. However, it is banned by some sports organizations, and it is regulated as a dietary supplement by the FDA in the United States.
The next time someone asks you if deer antler velvet is banned, just explain that it's actually not.Â
As with all supplements, you should, however, speak with your primary physician before considering taking deer antler velvet.