Collagen has become one of the most popular supplements among women, especially those looking to improve the appearance of their skin and hair — but because collagen helps to repair and form connective tissues throughout the body, of course it offers many benefits for men, too.†
What are some ways in which collagen is good for men’s health? Whether you’re an active young man who’s looking to support exercise recovery and digestion, or an aging man who’s interested in supplements for joint health and mobility, collagen has something to offer you.
Let’s take a look below at how collagen protein supplements offer support for a man’s joints, skin, gut, heart and more.
The benefits of collagen for men
Collagen is a type of structural protein that’s found naturally throughout the body, since it helps to build connective tissues including our joints, ligaments, tendons, skin, bones and the lining of the gastrointestinal tracts and other organs.
By the time men and women reach their 40’s, they start producing less collagen as a natural byproduct of aging. Unfortunately as collagen production slows down, an increase in common “signs of aging” can occur, such as changes in joint comfort and skin elasticity.
Taking a collagen powder supplement on a daily basis is a convenient and effective way to provide your body with the building blocks it needs to make its own collagen.
These “building blocks” are called amino acids, which form larger proteins. Collagen is especially rich in amino acids including glycine, proline and arginine — which offer widespread benefits for muscle recovery, heart health, joint health, skin and hair repair, sleep and more.
Some ways that collagen supplements can be helpful for men:
Supports joint health — Collagen is as an essential component of joints and cartilage, as well as tendons and ligaments. It contributes to joint mobility and comfort and plays a pivotal role in how you recover from exercise, function and move about. For example, with regular use collagen can reduce temporary knee stiffness in as little as one week and decrease post-exercise discomfort.†
Supports gut health — It helps form the lining of the gut, where it plays a part in helping to maintain gut integrity and support healthy nutrient absorption.†
Supports heart and arterial health — Collagen naturally resides in your arteries and blood vessels, reinforcing arterial walls and helping to maintain their integrity and functioning.†
Helps maintain healthy skin — This protein is a major building block of your skin, helping to maintain elasticity and its appearance. Supplementing with collagen can improve the appearance of crow’s feet after 28 days and skin tone after 8 weeks. Don’t forget that your skin also holds things in place, both inside and outside of your body.†
Forms the lining of organs — It helps form the fascia that encases your organs, including your gut lining, which contributes to overall health.†
Promotes healthy hair — It encourages thickness and growth while reducing hair breakage.†
Supports healthy sleep and cognitive sleep — Certain amino acids found in collagen, such as glycine, are linked with healthy sleep patterns and healthy mental function.†
Best types of collagen to use
It’s important to supplement with an absorbable form of collagen protein, since this is what allows the amino acids to actually go to work repairing connective tissues. The most bioavailable type of collagen powder is hydrolyzed collagen, which means it’s been broken down into smaller peptides that are generally easier for the body to digest and utilize.†
Ancient Nutrition makes several forms of Multi Collagen Protein supplements, each with unique flavors and ingredients. Multi Collagen Protein is made with five types of collagen (types I, II, III, V and X from 4 food-sources: chicken, bovine, fish and eggshell membrane), plus it’s non-GMO and sourced from only grass-fed and pasture-raised, cage-free and cruelty-free sources.
To support absorption, Ancient Nutrition has taken things a step further using the power of fermentation, leading to the creation of a first-of-its-kind, hydrolyzed collagen formula featuring smaller peptides that are faster and easier for the body to digest.†
Collagen powder is tasteless (unless intentionally flavored) and can be added to many different recipes and beverages — including water, coffee, smoothies, soups and baked goods. Multi Collagen Protein comes in several flavors, including pure/unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry lemonade and cucumber lime. One scoop contains just over 10 grams of collagen.
Bone Broth Protein supplements are another way to get collagen into your diet. Bone broth contains collagen and the same amino acids that help to support healthy joints.† Ancient Nutrition makes a variety of flavors, including Bone Broth Protein Pure, vanilla, chocolate and pumpkin spice.
How much collagen should men take?
Collagen powder serving sizes will range from 1.5 grams to 10 grams per serving, depending on the form and type of product (for example powder versus capsules). A general recommendation for adult men is to start by taking 1 or 2 servings per day, or about 10 to 20 grams of collagen, and then possibly work up to 3 daily servings.
You can take collagen any time during the day, but consistency is key for experiencing the best results, so try sticking with a regular regimen. It’s also important to support your body’s ability to make and retain collagen by eating a “collagen boosting diet,” meaning one that includes nutrient-dense foods that are high in vitamin C, antioxidants and essential minerals like leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, wild-caught fish, pumpkin seeds, grass-fed meats and fermented foods.