Collagen + Muscles: Does Collagen Increase Muscle Mass?

Once thought of as a “miracle” product in the health and beauty aisles, collagen has risen to the top as a very popular supplement in the wellness industry for its many health benefits.

A hot topic is the impact collagen may indeed have on muscles. If you want to know what experts have to say about the potential effect of collagen on muscle development or their answer to the question, “Does collagen increase muscle mass?” you’ve come to the right place.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is actually a naturally-occurring protein in the human body that adds structural support and elasticity to connective tissue. It’s also found in our hair, bones, tendons, and ligaments. 

Collagen has been referred to as the ”glue that holds the human body together”. It’s both vital for structure and functionality.

Because of all the roles that collagen plays, when our natural collagen production begins to decline with age, it’s very important that we replenish this loss.

This can be done by increasing our collagen intake, both through food sources and collagen supplements.

How Does Collagen Affect Muscle Mass?

Collagen as a protein plays a key role in muscle mass upkeep. More specifically, collagen contributes to muscle growth, strength, and flexibility.

Studies have proven that collagen contains essential amino acids that help boost muscle tissue, resulting in an increase in muscle mass and strength.

Furthermore, the amino acids found in collagen are said to help enhance muscle tissue recovery after exercise or physical exertion, reducing muscle soreness as well as enabling individuals to stay active for longer periods of time.

A healthy muscle structure heavily relies on a sufficient supply of both collagen and amino acids to stay toned and strong.

5 Ways Collagen is Good For Your Body

Your body is an amazing machine and to keep it in tip-top condition it needs a constant supply of the right ingredients.

One of those key ingredients happens to be collagen—a protein that plays an important role in keeping your body looking and feeling healthy.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways we can ensure our bodies get enough of this essential building block.

From aiding digestion and boosting metabolism to fighting wrinkles and reducing joint pain, the benefits of collagen are plentiful and varied.

Let’s see what the experts have to say about the top 5 ways collagen is good for your body!

1. Skin Health

If you want to keep your skin looking healthy, you should pay attention to collagen levels in your body. Our skin requires collagen. It keeps skin feeling and looking firm, supple, and youthful.

Collagen helps protect skin from signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness—all things we don’t want showing up in our selfies!

To build up the collagen in your skin and make the most of its benefits, many people rely on collagen supplements. 

2. Bone and Joint Health

Collagen is a structural protein that exercises its power in more ways than one! Not only does it keep our skin looking youthful and resilient, but it’s essential for the health of our bones and joints.

Collagen is found in connective tissues, like ligaments and tendons, creating strength, structure, and flexibility for our bones and joints to move and function properly.

Collagen also helps with the absorption of calcium so that your bones get all the nutrition they need.

So, don’t deprive your body of this essential protein—be kind to your bone and joint health by incorporating collagen peptides into your diet today!

3. Athletic Performance

Collagen has gradually become a must-have supplement for any athlete looking to maximize their performance in the gym, most of them men.

Collagen helps keep our joints strong and healthy, meaning our muscles can lift more weight without risking joint injury.

Taking collagen supplements can also help replenish energy levels after a hard workout. This means that you’ll be ready for the next session even faster.

As if that wasn’t enough, collagen can also help our skin recover from the occasional scrape from overzealous workouts or the odd outdoor adventure!

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why collagen is so important in athletic performance—grab some today and unlock your inner Olympian!

4. Digestive Aid

Collagen is a unique protein that supports digestive health in a number of interesting ways. It has the ability to heal a leaky gut, repair damaged cells in the digestive tract, and even reduce inflammation throughout the entire human body.

Collagen supplementation helps to strengthen the lining of your gut and promotes better digestion overall.

Quality collagen supplements full of healthy collagen peptides and amino acids help feed friendly bacteria in your gut, which boosts your immunity and keeps you healthier. 

With a healthier gut and digestive tract, the human body is able to better break down and absorb all the necessary nutrients and vitamins ingested through food sources or various supplements.

5. Catch Some Zzzs

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, collagen peptides may become your secret weapon. 

Studies have shown that adequate levels of dietary collagen can lead to improved sleep latency—meaning you’re able to fall asleep quicker—and increased amounts of slow-wave sleep or deep non-REM sleep, which helps promote mental clarity and energy during the day.

Collagen helps to maintain optimal sleep quality because of its ability to increase glycine levels. Glycine helps promote relaxation in the body and prepares us for a sound night’s rest.

With so many things vying for our attention at night it can be difficult to unplug and drift off into dreamland—luckily, with added collagen, you may rest easy knowing that good sleep is within reach!

Collagen VS Whey: Which is Better For Building Muscle?

For those looking to build muscle, there have been countless debates about which nutrient is better: collagen or whey?

Both offer different benefits and have their own special place in the healthy diet of an athlete or bodybuilder. 

Keep reading to learn for yourself the differences between collagen and whey and the pros and cons of adding either of them to your daily wellness routine.

Collagen Protein 101

You started lifting weights and heard about collagen protein, but you’re not sure what to make of it. Let’s get you clued up on collagen protein 101.

Collagen peptides are becoming a popular option for bodybuilders looking to build muscle and support healthy joints. 

Collagen protein is sourced primarily from animal ingredients such as meat, eggs, and fish, but it also includes essential nutrients like amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine that help create and support connective tissues like ligaments and joints.

Several studies have shown supplementing with collagen peptides or collagen protein can help reduce exercise-induced joint pain, helping lifters power through their reps.

Useful for more than just joint health, studies suggest taking a collagen supplement can increase post-exercise recovery time and promote muscle growth as well. 

Whether you’re looking to help prevent injury or pursue peak performance, learning the basics of collagen is the first step towards supplementing smartly.

If you’re looking for a natural protein to support your active lifestyle, collagen definitely has some noteworthy pros.

Whey Protein 101

When it comes to protein supplements, whey and collagen are two of the most popular options on the market. But what’s the difference between them?

Well, when we look at whey vs collagen, one of the main differences is how quickly each gets absorbed into your body.

Whey protein is a fast-absorbing supplement that helps muscles recover quickly after workouts. Collagen protein takes longer to digest and be absorbed into the body.

If you’re looking for immediate benefits from a protein supplement, like greater post-workout muscular recovery, whey has the advantage over collagen.

Although whey is known for fat burning, it doesn’t contain all 9 essential amino acids needed to build muscle tissue, unlike collagen protein, which is definitely a con. 

Which is the Better Muscle Builder?

So, collagen protein or whey protein—which is the better muscle builder? Which one is more beneficial when it comes to muscle strength and growth? Well, the truth is they both have a plethora of advantages, each serving different purposes.

Whey protein is a great supplement for increasing muscle mass, but it doesn’t do much for maintaining them.

On the other hand, collagen protein has proven to be more effective in both growing muscle mass and help retain muscle tissues over time.

While whey is quick and easy to boost your muscles, collagen keeps them growing steadily long into the future.

So, if you’re trying to decide which supplement is best for building muscle, look no further than collagen!

Supplementing With Collagen Protein

There’s no shortage of unique benefits from supplementing with this natural protein.

The use of collagen supplements can provide support for joint health, skin elasticity, strengthening bones and tendons, aid digestion, and even support weight management.

Collagen supplements have a remarkably low environmental footprint, providing an ideal choice for those looking for an ethical well-being supplement!

Whether taken as a shake, a liquid, or in pill form, experts agree that adding additional collagen to your daily diet provides a host of health benefits from muscle growth and joint and gut health to skin, hair, and nail health. You’ll be looking good and feeling great! 

The Bottom Line

Now you know the scoop on collagen and its effects on muscle mass.

Does collagen increase muscle mass? Experts say yes, collagen does increase muscle mass, as well as promotes healing and recovery in muscle tissue. Not only that, the human body as a whole benefits from collagen supplementation. 

Looking for more great health tips and resources? Head on over to our Health and Nutrition BLOG.

Ready to purchase the quality collagen supplement best for you? You’ll find that over on our collagen product page. Ready to flex those muscles?

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