Elk Antler is harvested (mostly from "elk farms" in Wisconsin, Michigan, Canada and New Zealand) in late spring or early summer while the antler is still in its velvet stage. Male elk produce a new set of antlers every year: The velvet stage is the period of active growth when antlers are soft and covered with "velvet" hair. Antler harvest is regulated to ensure prevention of stress and physical harm to the animal. The bull is restrained or sedated and the nerves blocked with local anesthetic.

Following harvesting, the antler is immediately frozen and then transported to a drying plant where it is subjected to a specific drying process. After being ground to a powder, the antler is placed in capsules.

The supplement industry makes claims about EVA even though there is no valid research supporting any performance-enhancing benefits from velvet antler. A recent study done at the Physical Education & Recreation Department, University of Alberta, Canada involving 46 healthy males and females showed no significant changes in any of the variables studied using 560 mg of EVA per day. The conclusion: EVA does NOT enhance sports performance.

One initial study done on the benefits of EVA showed increased testosterone to 5 to 6 times normal levels, but was subsequently disproved. Some marketers still quote the original study.

This is simply another instance where a manufacturer with little regard for accurate research either jumps to conclusions or misrepresents the science. Some of the original studies on the benefits of velvet antler were done on mice, but could not be replicated in humans. Studies done on mice cannot always be compared to those done on humans.

Our new 80-page booklet, "PowerPack for the Winning Edge" will be released on October 17, 2006 at the NSA International Conference in Memphis, TN. Stop by our "Nutripoints/Winning Edge" booth to get your signed copy. This is a great booklet for yourself and to help educate others. Here's a sampling of the 21 new topics covered:

• Seven Keys to Choosing the Right Supplements
• Increase Your Intensity! Training for Peak Performance
• So You Want to Get Bigger: What the Research Shows
• Steroiditis: Facts About the Current Steroid Epidemic
• All or Nothing: Cellular Peak Perfomance
• Promises, Promises! How to Know if Claims Are for Real
• The Ups and Downs of Carbohydrate Diets
• Fueling the Body for Peak Performance with Nutripoints
• Nutripoint Ratings for Healthy Snack Bars
• Whey Protein vs. Soy Protein: You Decide!
• Feeding Young Athletes for Peak Performance
• What About Eating Disorders?
• Water, Water, Water: Athletes Need Water
• Muscle Cramping: Cause, Treatment and Prevention
• Nutripoint Tips Over the Holidays: Rating Holiday Foods