Women have known about the benefits of collagen supplements for a long time, but did you know that taking collagen is equally beneficial for both men and women? That’s right! Look out ladies, when word gets out, and it will, about the benefits of collagen for men, men are going to be adding this powerful supplement to their wellness routine! Your well-kept secret is no longer safe. Men should indeed be adding collagen to their daily regime, too, and here’s why! 

What Does Collagen Do For the Human Body?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it is responsible for a variety of functions. Its main role is to provide structural support to connective tissues, but collagen also plays a role in wound healing, immune system function, and blood clotting.

The body’s natural ability to produce collagen begins to decline somewhere between our 20s and 30s. Because collagen is so vital for maintaining our health and functionality, many look to collagen supplementation with the first signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines or joint pain and stiffness. These are usually the first tell-tale signs that our collagen production is no longer at its prime. 

There are several different types of collagen, and each type has a specific function. Some of the most common types of collagen are:

• Type I – found in skin, tendons, and ligaments
• Type II – found in cartilage
• Type III – found in connective tissues
• Type IV – found in the basement membrane
• Type V – found in muscles

Let’s break this down a little more and explore some of the main roles that collagen is responsible for in the human body.

Skin Elasticity

Collagen provides strength and elasticity to the skin, helping it to resist wrinkling and sagging. The most abundant type of collagen found in the skin is Type I. This type of collagen is made up of long, thin fibers that are arranged in a cross-linked network. This network gives the skin its strength and durability.

In addition to Type I collagen, the skin also contains amounts of Types II and III collagen. These types of collagens have different structures and provide different functions, but they all contribute to the overall health and appearance of the skin.

When our collagen production begins to decline, so does our skin’s elasticity. This is when skin aging begins to happen resulting not only in fine lines and wrinkles but also, skin begins to dehydrate and dry out. It can become thinner, resulting in more bruising, scrapes and cuts. This increases the risk of infection, as wounds need collagen to heal. With less collagen in our system, wounds can take longer to heal.

Joint Health

Collagen plays a major role in joint health. It helps to maintain the structure of the joints and prevents wear and tear. Collagen provides strength and stability in joint health as well as helps to cushion the joint, preventing bone-on-bone contact.

Type I collagen is needed for supporting the bones and connective tissues. Type II collagen is needed in cartilage to cushion the joints. Type III helps to give shape and structure to the body.

Together, these different types of collagen help to ensure joint health and that they are functioning properly. Without adequate collagen levels, the joints can become damaged and susceptible to pain and inflammation. 

Bone Density

Bones are strong yet flexible, thanks to collagen. Collagen is the main component of bone, and it gives bones their strength. Without collagen, bones become brittle and prone to breakage.

A long chain of amino acids makes up the structure of collagen. This unique structure is what gives collagen its strength and flexibility. Collagen fibers are arranged in a tightly packed bundle, and this arrangement helps to provide support for our bones, including bone density,

As we produce less collagen, this can lead to bone loss and a decrease in bone density. The type of collagen most associated with bone density is Type I. This type of collagen makes up the majority of the collagen found in our bones and is responsible for their strength and hardness.

Keeping our collagen levels up as we age can help to avoid those brittle and easily breakable bones that are often associated with growing older.

Hair & Nail Strength

Our hair and nails are made mostly of a protein called keratin, which is held together by smaller amounts of collagen protein. Collagen helps give our hair and nails their strength and elasticity.

Our hair and nails require Types I, II, and III. All three types of collagen are important for keeping our hair and nails healthy and strong. 

Why exactly do we need collagen for healthy hair and nails? Underneath the hard outer layer of our nails (called the nail plate) is a softer layer made up of living cells. These cells produce keratin, which makes up the nail plate. The cells also produce collagen, which helps to give the nail plate its strength and flexibility.

Our hair follicles are also surrounded by collagen fibers, which help to give our hair its strength. When these fibers break down, it can lead to weak or brittle hair.

Notice your hair lacking luster? Breaking more nails lately? Collagen isn’t just for skin, it’s an essential protein for strong and healthy hair and nails!

Gut Health

Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall health and well-being. Are you aware that one of the most critical components of a healthy gut is collagen?

Collagen helps to support the lining of the digestive tract. It also plays a role in helping the body to break down food and absorb nutrients.

Collagen works to keep the gut barrier strong and prevents harmful toxins and bacteria from entering the bloodstream.

Collagen is found in high concentrations in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. It’s involved in maintaining the structure of the intestinal wall and preventing leaky gut syndrome, which can cause numerous health issues.

Are Collagen Supplements Good For Men?

There’s no doubt that collagen is an important protein for overall health. It’s found in our skin, hair, nails, and joints, and helps to keep them strong and healthy. You’ll find collagen in muscles, organs, and even our blood. Collagen isn’t just for structure, but it’s also needed for functionality. 

For some time now, women have been turning to collagen supplements in an effort to maintain their youthful appearance and improve their overall health. But what about men? Are collagen supplements good for them, too?

The answer is yes! Collagen supplements can be beneficial for men of all ages. In addition to promoting healthy skin and joints, collagen can also help men improve gut health, increase muscle mass, and boost metabolism. Plus, there’s evidence that collagen can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

What’s good for women is also good for men when it comes to collagen supplements.

Reasons Why Men Should Take Collagen

As men age, they may start to notice a few changes in their appearance. While these changes are a normal part of the aging process, some men may be concerned about them and want to find ways to reduce the signs of aging. So, just like women, one very popular option for men has become taking collagen supplements.

Collagen supplements provide the body with the building blocks it needs to produce more collagen. Not only do you increase your collagen levels with the collagen supplement, but you stimulate your body to produce collagen.

With the following benefits for taking collagen for men, it’s no wonder that they are jumping on this trend.

May Help With Hair Loss

It’s not just women who struggle with hair health–men experience it too. One potential solution is collagen supplements, which can help stimulate the production of collagen in the body.

Collagen is a building block for hair follicles, making collagen supplements a potential solution for men experiencing hair loss. With the decline of our natural collagen production, men begin to notice thinning hair and eventual baldness.

Collagen peptides in supplements can help stimulate collagen production in the scalp, encouraging healthy hair growth and preventing further hair loss. In addition to collagen, these supplements often include other important vitamins and minerals necessary for maintaining a full head of hair, such as biotin and zinc.

Since collagen peptides make up the building blocks of our hair, skin, and nails, by increasing collagen levels we may see not only fuller, healthier hair but also improved skin and nail health. Healthy hair starts from within! 

Supports Bone and Joint Health

As men age, their bones, and joints can start to suffer from deterioration and discomfort. One way to help support both bone and joint health is by taking collagen supplements.

Collagen is found in abundance in our bones and joints, and it helps to provide strength and flexibility. Collagen also helps to maintain cartilage, the cushion between bones that aids in smooth joint movement.

As our bodies produce less collagen, we will experience weakened bones and joint pain. Collagen supplements typically consist of collagen peptides that can help make up for this decrease by providing amino acids that the body uses to create collagen. With the rebuilding of collagen, joints become more flexible and bone health can be improved.

Helps Muscles Recover Faster

It’s well known that collagen can aid in the recovery of muscles after exercise. This has led many athletes to turn to collagen supplements for improving their performance and keeping their overall health in check.

Since collagen is a component of cartilage, it can help repair torn or damaged connective tissues during physical activity. As you recover faster between workouts, you may also see an increase in muscle growth as well. In addition to faster recovery times, studies have revealed that athletes, both men and women, are finding collagen supplements help to improve endurance and reduce the risk of injury during exercise.

Increased lean muscle mass can help with weight management or even the loss of weight if that is something as a man that you are concerned with. Muscle mass burns more calories than fat, even in a resting state.

With all of these amazing benefits for men’s health, it’s no wonder that more and more men are turning to collagen supplements for their health and performance.

Helps to Age Gracefully

As men age, many start to notice the signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. In addition to using anti-aging skincare products, adding a collagen supplement may also help improve skin health and delay the onset of signs of aging.

Collagen is naturally found in our skin, helping provide elasticity and firmness. Keeping your collagen levels up with collagen supplements can greatly improve skin health and appearance, allowing men and women to both age gracefully.

Not only do collagen supplements provide skin elasticity and tightening, collagen peptides and amino acids can help keep skin hydrated.

Can Improve Metabolism and Energy

When most people think of collagen, they probably think of anti-aging skincare products. However, collagen supplementation can also have a positive impact on men’s metabolism and energy levels. This is because collagen acts as the building blocks for our muscles, bones, and connective tissue.

As noted, as our bodies produce less and less collagen, this potentially leads to decreased muscle mass and strength. Supplementing with collagen can help mitigate this decline and improve overall wellness.

Studies have shown that collagen helps improve satiety and metabolic rate after meals, leading to increased energy levels, maintaining a healthy weight or potentially aiding in weight loss efforts.

Supports a Healthy Gut

You should now be quite aware that our body’s natural production of collagen diminishes. This can lead to an increase in body fat, loss of muscle mass, and a decrease in energy levels. Collagen supplementation can help combat these negative effects by improving digestive health and supporting the liver, leading to better nutrient absorption and energy production.

Supplementing with collagen can support a healthy gut by strengthening the lining of the digestive tract and promoting the growth of good bacteria. It can also aid in digestion by helping break down food and absorbing nutrients. In fact, studies have shown that collagen supplementation can help improve symptoms of leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. 

Collagen helps keep your gut microbiome balanced, which has been linked to improved mood, stronger immunity, along with that better digestion ability.

Different Sources of Collagen For Men

We often get the question if there are any ways to increase collagen intake through dietary options for men. Adding collagen rich foods to your diet is quite easy to do, actually. Take a look at some readily available and easy options for increasing your collagen intake just by the foods you eat.

Fish

When it comes to collagen, fish is often overlooked in favor of sources like bone broth or gelatin. However, fish has a unique advantage: its collagen molecules are smaller and more easily absorbed by the body.

Some types of fish also contain amino acids that can help boost collagen production. Salmon, mackerel and tuna are all high in vitamin C, which plays an important role in forming new collagen.

Beyond collagen, fish is also a great source of lean protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids such as proline.

Poultry

Chicken and turkey are high in protein and are also rich in vitamin C, which helps the body form collagen. Poultry is also a good source of other nutrients that promote collagen production, like zinc and copper.

Eating these lean proteins can not only help improve the health of skin and connective tissue, but eating poultry can reduce inflammation, contributing to overall wellness.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is a collagen rich food because it is made from the bones and connective tissues of animals. These tissues are high in collagen, which is the main protein found in skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When boiled down, the collagen breaks down into gelatin, which is what gives bone broth its thick, gelatinous texture. Gelatin is a good source of protein and essential amino acids, which can help support joint and gut health and keep skin looking young and healthy.

Eggs

Eggs are a collagen rich food because they contain high levels of the protein collagen. Collagen is a key structural component of skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues, so eating foods that are high in collagen can help to keep these tissues healthy and strong. Additionally, eggs are a good source of other nutrients essential for health, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc.

Dairy

Dairy actually contains significant amounts of collagen, as well as other nutrients that can help support healthy skin and joints.

Milk, for example, is a rich source of glycosaminoglycans, which are vital components of our connective tissue. Yogurt and cheese contain amino acids like proline and hydroxyproline which also contribute to the formation of collagen.

Next time you’re looking for ways to boost your collagen intake, don’t forget about dairy! Not only is it a great source of protein and calcium, it’s an easy and delicious addition to any diet.

Legumes

Legumes are a type of edible seed that comes in a pod, and includes beans, lentils, and peas. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals, and have been shown to offer a number of health benefits. In particular, legumes are a good source of collagen.

They’re also rich in proline and glycine, two amino acids that are needed for the production of collagen. In addition, legumes contain vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen synthesis. For these reasons, including legumes in your diet can help to support collagen production and improve overall health.

Soy

Did you know that soy is one of the best collagen-rich foods out there with its high content of amino acids, proline, and glycine? Soy contains a type of protein called isoflavones, which are known to help boost collagen production. In fact, studies have shown that isoflavones can increase collagen levels by as much as 50%.

With vegetarian alternatives being high in demand these days, soy is a great alternative collagen rich food source.

Possible Risks For Men Taking Collagen Supplements

While collagen supplements are generally considered safe for most people, there are some potential risks to be aware of. The first one being if you should be allergic to seafood or fish, be sure to check supplement ingredients. The most popular collagen supplements are made from bovine or marine products. Being allergic to fish, you will most likely be allergic to a supplement made from marine collagen peptides.

It’s also important to understand that collagen supplements might interact with specific medications. If you are taking any medications or have any current health conditions, you need to speak with your doctor before starting up a new supplement regime.

Digestive Issues

Because the body is not used to digesting large amounts of collagen peptides, a few people experience some digestive issues when beginning collagen supplementation. This is usually just a temporary response to the collagen peptides as the body adjusts to the supplement.

This can most often be completely avoided by beginning with a much lower dosage as you begin adding collagen supplements to your daily routine. This is so easy to do when using collagen supplements in the form of powder. Simply begin with a 1/2 scoop or less rather than a full scoop, gradually increasing to the recommended dosage as your body gets used to the collagen peptides and amino acids making up your supplement.

Gas & Bloating

Some people find that taking collagen supplements can cause gas and bloating. There are a few possible explanations for this. First, collagen is a large molecule that can be difficult to digest. As a result, it may not be broken down properly in the gut, leading to gas and bloating. Again, beginning with a lower dosage at the onset of supplementation, one can usually prevent this concern.

Additionally, some people are sensitive to the ingredients in collagen supplements, which can also cause gastrointestinal distress. If you experience gas or bloating after taking collagen supplements, you may want to try a different brand or form of supplement. 

How Much Collagen Should Men Take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question “How much collagen should men take?”, as the amount of collagen men should take depends on a number of factors. These factors include their age, lifestyle, and diet. Generally speaking, most experts recommend taking between 10 and 20 grams of collagen per day.

Overall, men need slightly more collagen than women. This is because they tend to have more muscle mass and put more strain on their joints and bones. The recommended dosage that you decide upon can be taken all at once or divided into two or three smaller doses throughout the day.

This is typically enough to support joint health and improve skin elasticity. Men who are active or have a higher protein intake may need to take more collagen to see results. Conversely, men who consume a lot of collagen-rich foods (such as bone broth) may consider a lower dose of collagen. 

When collagen production begins to decline, studies have found that men tend to have lower levels of collagen than women.

Regardless of whether you are a male or a female, collagen is needed to support the skin, joints, and bones. It also plays a role in tissue repair and regeneration, making it vital for maintaining one’s health as we age.

While you can get increased collagen from food sources, such as bone broth or animal products, supplements are often the best way to ensure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient. If you’re just starting out with collagen supplements, remember, it’s best to start with a lower dose and increase gradually as your body adjusts.

The Final Word

Well, the secret is now officially out! Collagen for men offers as many great health benefits as it does for women. Women are not the only ones who are looking to age well. Studies are revealing that men are just as concerned as women when it comes to their health and aging well, including their appearance. And why shouldn’t they be? 

Collagen, once considered only to be a beauty product, has found its way into the health and wellness industry and for good reason! The multitude of health benefits that come with adding collagen to your daily wellness routine is proving time and time again that taking collagen is definitely investing in one’s health. So, collagen for men? Absolutely! Yes, men should take collagen! Looking for more health tips and resources? You will find lots of valuable information over at our Health BLOG. Check it out–your body will thank you! Looking for quality products that will ensure you of optimum results, no matter what your health goal(s) may be? Check out our collagen product page. If you’re going to invest in your health, you don’t want to waste your money on inferior products! Here’s to your best health!

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