Collagen for Men's Health

Whether you're looking to build muscle mass, ease joint pain, or support skin health, there are plenty of reasons men can benefit from incorporating collagen supplements into a healthy diet. By boosting collagen production in the body, you'll be investing in your overall health.

The following are the top reasons why men can benefit from raising their collagen levels:

For those looking to maximize the benefits of their workout, collagen supplements are an excellent and easy way to support building muscle mass while at the same time reducing fat. Collagen has been linked to improved muscle recovery, making it easier for the body to rebound after resistance training. This makes it an ideal supplement for gym gains, and indeed, collagen powder has become a staple of workout smoothies for men and women alike.

The benefits of collagen supplements on the muscles are just beginning to be studied, but existing research has pointed in a positive direction. A randomised controlled trial published in the British Journal of Nutrition that studied the effects of collagen on elderly sarcopenic men suggested that collagen supplementation improved body composition, increasing fat free mass and improving muscle strength.

One of collagen's other best-known benefits is its positive impact on joint health and bone strength. Collagen's ability to alleviate joint pain and inflammation has been well studied. A recent report in the scientific journal Nutrients details the benefits of collagen for people suffering from osteoarthritis. In particular, collagen peptide supplements – also known as hydrolyzed collagen – have been observed to be especially effective.

Another reason athletes may turn to collagen peptide supplementation is to improve overall energy levels. The amino acids in collagen tripeptide supplements are the building blocks of proteins, which fuel the body. This means putting collagen powder in your smoothie can add a boost you may not have expected. Further, collagen helps reduce muscular soreness and fatigue, which can both sap the body of its vitality. By limiting these processes, collagen can help the body maintain high energy levels.

Collagen provides structure to our arteries, which keep blood flowing through the body, as well as our blood vessels. Recent studies have indicated that taking collagen supplements can ease artery stiffness and raise levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, which helps protect the body against heart conditions.

Though collagen's benefits to gut health are only just beginning to be studied, recent reports have suggested that collagen peptides can have a positive impact on the intestinal barrier, helping to alleviate inflammatory bowel disease.

Nowadays, we don't need to pretend women are the only ones who care about keeping their hair healthy. Men's hairlines can benefit from collagen supplements, which help protect hair follicles from oxidative damage caused by environmental factors.

Further, one of the key amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen, proline, is known for supporting hair growth. (To be clear, there is no known cure for baldness, but supporting your scalp and follicles can help set the stage for improved hair growth functions.)

Collagen has long been revered for its skin hydration benefits, which help alleviate the signs of aging skin. It's natural that collagen production slows as we age, leading to wrinkling and decreased skin elasticity. This is as true for men as for women.

Taking a collagen supplement daily can strengthen and improve your skin, meaning you can enjoy your enhanced muscle mass alongside a more youthful vitality.

With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which collagen supplement is right for you. When choosing the collagen supplement to incorporate into your daily diet, take the following into account:

• Different collagen supplements feature specific bioactive collagen peptides. This means it's worth looking into the stated benefits of the supplements in question.
• Choose the simplest collagen supplements you can find. Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen, feature the key amino acids in collagen and nothing more, making them the most direct and effective form of collagen supplementation on the market.
• Always look for supplements that have been certified by a third party.

It can also be helpful to be familiar with the different varieties of collagen appearing in supplements, as they are known for different benefits.

Collagen Types I & III: These are the types of collagen that have been shown to support muscle recovery and blood circulation, as well as skin, hair, and nails.

Collagen Type II: This type of collagen has been shown to support healthy joint function.

Be sure to look into the type of collagen featured in your daily supplement to be sure it targets your specific needs.

When taking collagen supplements, keep in mind that your lifestyle choices can impact your body's ability to absorb collagen as well as to produce it.

Factors such as smoking, eating processed foods, and being exposed to too much sunlight can undermine our abilities to get the benefits we want from collagen. Avoiding these habits will help reduce your risk of collagen damage.