The Key Components of Elk Antler

Antlers are the fastest growing animal tissues in the world. For it to grow that fast every year, its tissues must have some powerful substances. This is why elk velvet antler was discovered. Its soft fur covering (velvet) antlers when they are in their growth stage and inside there is cartilaginous tissue that is where our elk antler velvet products come from today.

Elk antler velvet has the following seven components, which is why recent studies have show how it is proven to help treat rheumatoid arthritis – its key components help joint pain and repair muscle tissue dramatically.

Components	Function
Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1)	Small proteins produced naturally by the liver through stimulation of growth hormones, IGF-1 is a growth regulating factor and functions to increase lean body mass, reduce fat, build bone, muscle and nerves while assisting in glucose metabolism. IFG-1 encourages the absorption of both chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate. Low levels of IGF-1 seen in aging may reflect as muscle atrophy.
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)	Growth promoting actions on the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid	The cement material of connective tissue and component of synovial fluid that ‘cushions' the joint.
Chondroitin sulfate	An extremely potent anti-inflammatory agent with long lasting effects. Of the glycoaminoglycans in EVA, almost 90% is chondroitin sulfate.
Glucosamine sulfate	A naturally occurring amino sugar with ‘glue-like' qualities to help hold tissues together and a major component of synovial fluid, which lubricates and serves as a shock absorber for joints.
Erythropoietin	A hormone naturally produced in the kidneys and released into the bloodstream in response to low oxygen levels and helps to increase oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Prostaglandins	A chemical messenger produced in virtually all tissues, causing a broad range of positive effects on many of the body's defense systems.

**An excerpt from "Velvet Antler-A Gift From Nature" by Cindy Ewashkiw, DT and Marion

Other components include the following: Calcium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Sulfur, Zinc, Proteins, Collagen, Lipids, Phospholipids, Glyycosphingolipids, and Keratin Sulfate.