Aug 08 2011
MLB Warned Players Using Deer Antler Spray Supplement
The Major League Baseball issued warning to its players both in the minor and major league to stop using deer antler spray. The league’s concern is the possible contamination of this kind of supplement. Deer antler spray became a popular alternative to steroids not just in the MLB but also in NFL and bodybuilding. In fact, there are some pro athletes who endorse deer antler spray.
What the Deer Antler Spray Can Do?
This supplement claims that it can improve performance particularly in developing muscles, strength and endurance. Chemical analysis of deer antler sprays revealed that it contains insulin-like growth factors or the IGF-1. It facilitates the production of human growth hormone in the body. Aside from its muscle enhancing capabilities, deer antler extracts also reduces fats in the body. Most companies market this product as an alternative to anabolic steroids.
MLB Concerned on Potential Contamination
The IGF-1 in the deer antler supplement can’t be detected in the current steroid testing of the MLB. Since it has properties similar to HGH, it can only be detected using blood tests. The use of growth hormones and other similar supplements are prohibited in the league but the current urine testing has its limitations.
According to the SI report, the MLB is concerned on one specific brand of deer antler spray which includes in its product other ingredients which may lead to a positive test. The league is not banning the deer antler spray but they are discouraging baseball players from buying one because of possible contamination.
Cases of Deer Antler Spray Positive
There are already many cases of positive tests as a result of taking deer antler sprays. St. Louis Rams linebacker David Vobora was sanctioned by the NFL for violating the anti-doping policies of the league. However, Vobora contends that he did not take any steroid and only took deer antler spray as an alternative.
Vobora filed a case against the company and recently won the lawsuit. He was awarded with $5.4 million in damages. The NFL already discouraged other football players from endorsing the product.
According to industry reports, some deer antler sprays can result to a positive test for methyl testosterone. This type of steroid is used to treat testosterone deficiency in men and used in the treatment of breast cancer and menopause-related symptoms for women.
Weighing the Benefits and Risks
While the product is becoming popular in professional sports, its safety and efficiency is still being questioned. Deer antler sprays are marketed as nutritional supplements so anybody can easily purchase one. If baseball players will not heed to the league’s request then they will be facing a great risk in taking this particular supplement.
[...] anabolic steroids. They also reacted on the warning issued by the Major League Baseball (MLB) that deer antler spray can cause a positive test for steroids. The warning can send a wrong message to the users that deer antler extracts are unsafe to [...]