Do you suffer from arthritis pain? If so, you may be interested in learning about deer antler velvet and arthritis, meaning how it works. Deer antler velvet is a substance derived from deer antlers, and it has been pretty effective in reducing inflammation and pain.
For thousands of years, deer antler velvet has been used in the traditional medicine of many cultures for the treatment of different health conditions. Today, this ingredient has a special role in alternative medicine as it allows users to support their health naturally.
So, how does the velvet antler of deer turn out to be beneficial for arthritis pain? Let’s find out!
Deer Antler Velvet and Arthritis
What is Arthritis?
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, all of which involve some type of joint pain or inflammation. Arthritis literally means “inflammation of the joints.” It is a degenerative disease that worsens over time and can lead to chronic pain, disability, and deformity.
Causes and Types of Arthritis
Arthritis is caused by various factors, including injury, infection, age-related wear and tear, and autoimmune disorders.
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions and protects the ends of bones. When cartilage breaks down, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. For your information, osteoarthritis affects more than 300,000 New Zealanders[2].
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks healthy tissue in the joints and can eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.
Cure for Arthritis
There is no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can help relieve pain and improve joint function. Living with arthritis can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the disease and maintain a good quality of life. Deer antler velvet is an excellent addition to your standard arthritis treatment.
In one study, supplementation with deer antler velvet of 215g a day proved effective in managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Scientists concluded that deer antler velvet could be consumed safely in conjunction with other rheumatoid arthritis medications[1], but they also stress the importance of more studies on this subject.
Even though everyone can develop this condition, it usually affects individuals between 25 and 50. Women are three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men[4]. However, using deer antler velvet can reduce the impact to a large extent.
But what makes deer antler velvet a better choice for patients with arthritis? Let’s find out!
The Beneficial Components of Deer Antler Velvet
Collagen
The best deer antler velvet supplement is a rich source of bioactive substances such as collagen. Collagen is defined as long-chain amino acid and the most prevalent protein in the human body. It is found in the skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, tendons, and the digestive system.
A growing body of evidence confirms that collagen plays a vital role in preventing degenerative joint diseases[5]. Collagen also shows potential in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis without inducing side effects[6].
Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins are bioactive substances found in deer antler velvet. They are found in most tissues and organs because prostaglandins are produced by almost all nucleated cells. Prostaglandins play a role in inflammation and the body’s response to it[7], which is important because arthritis is the inflammation of joints.
Evidence shows that prostaglandins are effective mediators in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, which is why they are important therapeutic tools in managing the condition[8].
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are bioactive substances found in deer antler velvet, and their function is to maintain collagen. GAGs, particularly chondroitin, exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect.
Chondroitin has been used for decades in the treatment of osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. What makes chondroitin practical for people with arthritis is that it doesn’t interact with other drugs and doesn’t cause side effects[9].
Mucopolysaccharides
This component is a building block of joint cartilage, and through deer antler velvet supplementation, you can effectively support cartilage-building and restore joint elasticity.
NutriNZ Deer Antler Velvet
Deer Antler Velvet Spray from NutriNZ is an effective and safe product for men and women who deal with joint pain and arthritis. It is a rich source of numerous bioactive components, all of which help support and improve joint health in terms of short-term pain relief and long-term regeneration and strengthening.
Regular supplement intake alleviates pain and discomfort and improves the range of motion without discomfort and side effects.
Furthermore, in New Zealand, deer velvet removal is classed as a surgical procedure, each being monitored and supervised by a veterinarian licensed and trained by the National Velveting Standards Body (NVSB).
These procedures are performed in government-licensed facilities in compliance with a strict code of practice that confirms these animals are unharmed and that essential hygiene standards are followed.
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References
[1] Allen M, Oberle K, Grace M, Russell A. Elk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritis: Phase II trial. Biological Research for Nursing 2002 Jan, vol. 3 no. 3, 111-118. Doi: 10.1177/1099800402003003001 http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1099800402003003001
[2] Osteoarthritis: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment Southern Cross https://www.southerncross.co.nz/group/medical-library/osteoarthritis-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment
[3] Gilbey A, Perezgonzalez JD. Health benefits of deer and elk velvet antler supplements: a systematic review of randomised controlled studies. New Zealand Medical Journal 2012 Dec 14;125(1367):80-6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23321886
[4] Rheumatoid arthritis, Arthritis.org.nz https://www.arthritis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/4203_art_RA_flyer_2-0.pdf
[5] Bello AE, Oesser S. Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature. Current Medical Research and Opinion 2006 Nov;22(11):2221-32. Doi: 10.1185/030079906X148373 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17076983
[6] Moskowitz RW. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism 2000 Oct;30(2):87-99. Doi: 10.1053/sarh.2000.9622 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11071580
[7] Ricciotti E, FitzGerald GA. Prostaglandins and Inflammation. Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology. 2011;31(5):986-1000. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.207449. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3081099/
[8] Fattahi MJ, Mirshafiey A. Prostaglandins and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis 2012 Oct. Doi: 10.1155/2012/239310 https://www.hindawi.com/journals/arthritis/2012/239310/
[9] Henrotin Y, Mathy M, Sanchez C, Lambert C. Chondroitin Sulfate in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: From in Vitro Studies to Clinical Recommendations. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease. 2010;2(6):335-348. doi:10.1177/1759720X10383076. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3383492/