If you’ve been watching Google Insights lately, you’ll see that Deer Antler Spray and IGF-1 are “Breakout” searches these days. So Just what the heck is Deer Antler Spray and IGF-1?

IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) is a naturally-occurring polypeptide protein hormone similar to insulin, that is primarily produced by the liver. IGF-1 plays an important role in stimulating growth during childhood and helps build and repair muscle tissue in adults.

During the 1990′s researchers began studying the benefits of IGF-1 supplementation which reportedly included improvements in muscle hypertrophy, tissue repair and recovery times, among others. Soon, a variety of manufacturers were marketing products containing IGF-1 and labeled as nutrition supplements.

Deer antler spray is one such product that contains IGF-1. Deer antler spray started showing up in the news after reports surfaced that Ray Lewis, a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, was connected with the product.

Another spray that contains IGF-1, called “The Ultimate Spray,” has also made headlines for being used by several NFL players as an alternative to steroids.

IGF-1 is considered  a banned performance enhancing drug in most organized and professional sports, including the National Football League.