Is Collagen Good for Men?

The hype surrounding collagen supplements is impossible to miss. Whether your skin is feeling lax or your hair is looking dull, collagen seems to be the magic tool for a more youthful look.

These past years, we’ve seen hundreds of different collagen supplements appear on the market. From gummies to powders and liquid sachets – nowadays, you can find them in every form, shape, and taste!

With the rising demand for collagen supplement products, there’s been a growing interest in collagen benefits for men. Can men take collagen? Does it offer the same perks as it does for women? If you’re keen to learn more about how collagen can help men specifically, we reveal everything you need to know.

What is Collagen?

To understand the positive effects of collagen supplements on men, you must first understand what collagen is.

Long story short, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, which is incredibly important for our body. It enables correct tissue structure of almost all our organs, which is a precondition for their proper function. In fact, collagen makes up 30% of our body’s protein and taking it boosts skin and vessels’ elasticity and promotes muscle growth.

Unfortunately, as we get older, the natural production of this protein in our bodies decreases. This is what then leads to joint pain, wrinkles, and our skin losing its youthfulness.

Can Men Take Collagen?

Collagen is often linked to women’s health, but it’s equally as important for the functioning of men’s bodies. It’s not just about skincare – collagen is what helps our immune systems, repairs our tissues, and plays an important role in cell communication.

Like women, men also experience a gradual decline in collagen levels as they age. Other factors like smoking, eating too much sugar, heavy exposure to UV rays, and lack of exercise (or, conversely – too much exercise) can promote the decline of collagen even more. That’s why – regardless of gender – it’s beneficial to think about implementing collagen-friendly foods in your diet or taking collagen supplements.

Collagen Benefits for Men

Collagen has almost become a buzzword in the beauty industry. But the protein does so much more than just make our skin look plumper. Without it, our bodies cannot function properly.

So, what does collagen do for men? And why is collagen good for men? Let’s take a look at the main benefits you can expect.

1.   Collagen Supplements for Men and Heart Health

It may seem surprising, but collagen is critical for heart health. That’s because the protein includes two components that are vital for our heart’s well-being: proline – an amino acid that helps clear fat buildup in arteries – and arginine – an amino acid that aids blood circulation.

Research backs this up, too. According to a 2017 study, the protein can reduce atherosclerosis – the build-up of cholesterol and unhealthy fats in human blood vessels.

2.   Help With Hair Loss

Our hair health is strongly tied to genetics and hormones. Still, there are things men can do to prevent hair loss, and one of the solutions is taking collagen supplements.

Why, you ask? Collagen helps maintain the hydration and strength of hair follicles. When you consume collagen peptides or any other form of the supplement, they can be absorbed into the hair follicles. This, consequently, can enhance your hair’s strength.

Another reason collagen may be beneficial for hair health is its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As you may know, our body, including hair follicles, can be damaged by free radicals, which appear in our bodies due to biological processes and poor lifestyle choices. Research shows that collagen may be beneficial for dealing with these radicals.

3.   Muscle Longevity for Men

Protein intake is not something only men who lift weights should consider. Collagen supplementation may be helpful for strength training, but it’s equally important for maintaining longevity.

In fact, a 2019 study showcased that men who used collagen supplements after resistance training had achieved better results, including increased body mass. Other research suggests the same effects can be seen in elderly men who combine collagen with the same type of exercise.

4.   Gut Health

Did you know that the amino acids in collagen have a positive impact on our gut health? That’s right! Glycine and glutamine are well known for their beneficial effect on strengthening the gut lining. But that’s not all. Collagen for men also plays a role in keeping the walls of the digestive tract intact. Moreover, thanks to collagen’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can also reduce inflammation.

5.   Collagen for Men’s Skin

It’s often said that the most important thing you can do for your skin is help it produce collagen. Nowadays, skincare companies have built an entire industry around ramping up collagen production. But it’s for a good reason! When it comes to collagen benefits for men, better skin is surely at the top of the list.

In 2023, a review of 14 studies with 967 people showed favorable results for encouraging skin moisture levels and elasticity.

Collagen Supplements for Men

Did you know that there are 28 different types of collagen? So, it only makes sense that there are a variety of collagen supplements for men available, each with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Here’s a look at the differences between each collagen type and how to choose the best one for you.

Liquid Collagen

If you’re looking for a convenient on-the-go option, liquid collagen for men will be the best pick.

Simply put, this supplement form contains collagen proteins suspended in a liquid. Some experts believe that liquid collagen may be absorbed more quickly by the body, although little scientific evidence supports this claim.

Peptide Collagen

These days, many men choose to take hydrolyzed collagen proteins. Since the proteins are broken down into smaller units, it’s easier for your body to digest and absorb them. Plus, they can be easily added to various foods and drinks!

But the truth is that many collagen powders are, in fact, collagen peptides, so the distinctions are often just in marketing.

Powder Collagen

What makes powder collagen a better choice is its long shelf life. Unlike liquid collagen, you can store it for months! However, depending on the product, some powders may not have the best taste or texture. If you’re sensitive to this, it may be better to choose another form of collagen.

We’ve outlined the benefits of liquid vs. powder collagen here, so feel free to check it out.

Lack of Collagen Symptoms

So, now you have learned about collagen benefits for men. But how can you know if you have collagen deficiency?

One of the first signs your body lacks the protein is dull skin. If there’s not enough collagen in your body, oxygen flow to the skin cells is restricted, typically resulting in hyperpigmentation or tired skin.

Another common symptom of collagen deficiency is joint pain, especially in elderly people. When the body doesn’t have enough collagen, the joints lack cushioning and elasticity, which causes pain. Likewise, you may experience muscle weakness and slow recovery from muscle pain.

Can Collagen Cause any Side Effects?

Generally, collagen is considered to be well-tolerated and is not associated with adverse side effects. However, most collagen supplements include other ingredients, such as herbs and high levels of vitamins, which may not be safe for every user. Mild side effects of collagen supplements include:

• A feeling of heaviness in your stomach
• Rashes
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Dizziness

That’s why it’s still best to consult your doctor before taking collagen supplements.

Conclusion

From TikTok to Instagram, over the past few years, collagen has made a splash in wellness content. Taking over the supplements space and cropping up in new skincare launches, it’s clear that this protein is big business. But despite being advertised mainly as a product for women’s health, collagen can do wonders for males too.

So, is collagen good for men? Science clearly suggests that it is! Whether it’s collagen powder for men or liquid collagen, there’s really no reason not to try it yourself too.