Opti-Joint formulations have been developed using elk velvet antler to benefit dogs that are affected by arthritis. It is blended to include meat & bone (either chicken or turkey), vegetables (green beans, carrots and celery), and beef liver along with kelp, elk velvet antler and a vitamin/mineral supplement. The nutrient profiles can be found in the Analysis section of our web page. The dosages of elk velvet antler used are taken directly from "Clinical evaluation of a powder of quality elk velvet antler for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs". This study was published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal and gave proof of the effectiveness of elk velvet antler in the treatment of arthritis in dogs.
What is elk velvet antler?
Elk velvet antler is a naturally renewable food supplement that is made from an elk's antlers during the velvet stage of growth. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various aliments, including strengthening bone and joints, increasing stamina and improving the immune system (5).
What are the benefits of elk velvet antler?
Results from the study showed that "at home, arthritic dogs improved their physical performances, accompanied by an increased vitality" (3). Elk velvet antler "prevented or decreased the deleterious effect of inactivity by providing vigor and favoring resumption of normal activities of daily life" (3).
"Administration of QEVA (Quality Elk Velvet Antler) was effective in alleviating the condition in arthritic dogs" (3).
What are the active components in elk velvet antler?
Antlers contain collagen as the major structural protein and are also rich in glycosaminoglycans, pilose antler peptide and pantocrin.
"Therapeutic claims reported for pantocrin include increased work capacity, increased recovery from training, decreased skeletal muscle fatigue (adaptogenic properties), and a stimulating effect"(1).
"Chondroitin sulfate possesses documented antiarthritic effects and is the major glycosaminoglycans present in velvet antler. We consider that its presence in QEVA was not associated with the beneficial effects observed in this study, since, in another study performed by our group, administration of a nutraceutical providing chondroitin sulfate in greater amounts than the raw material administered in this study failed to demonstrate significant gait improvement" (3).
Simply put, it is the action of the elk velvet antler as a whole, rather than a function of its individual active components, that is responsible for the improvement in osteoarthritis symptoms for these dogs.
Elk velvet antler also includes various minerals and trace elements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, selenium, copper and zinc, as well as growth factors, lipids and protein (4).
Are there any side effects of taking elk velvet antler?
Research studies conducted by Dr. Susan J. Hemmings at the University of Saskatchewan have shown elk velvet antler to be non-toxic as well as having no long-term effects on growth, development or behavior (2). Her research even suggests that elk velvet antler is hepatoprotective &endash; meaning that it has beneficial, protective effects on the liver.
References:
1. Di Pasquale, MG. (1993) Stimulants and Adaptogens. Part 2. Drugs Sports. 2: 2-4.
2. Hemmings, SJ. and Song, W. (2004) The Effects of Elk Velvet Antler Consumption on the Rat: Development, Behavior, Toxicity and the Activity of Liver Gamma-Glutamyltranspeptidase. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 138(1): 105-112.
3. Moreau, M., Dupuis, J., Bonneau, NH. and Lecuyer, M. (2004) Clinical Evaluation of a Powder of Quality Elk Velvet Antler for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs. Canadian Veterinary Journal. 45: 133-139.
4. Sunwoo, H. (1998) Chemical Characterization of Growing Antlers from Wapiti. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB. In: Velvet Antler: A Gift From Nature 2nd Edition by Cindy Ewashkiw D.T. and Marion Allen PhD., R.N. Style-Craft Printing Ltd. Pp. 5-7.
5. Suttie, JM. and Haines, SR. (2001) Could Substances which regulate Antler Growth be Health Promoting for People? In: Antler Science and Product Technology. ASPTRC. Pp. 201-217.
