Collagen supplements are extremely popular among women for a number of good reasons. It's the ultimate anti-aging supplement that can support healthy hair growth, skin healthand elasticity, bone health, and stronger nails. But, the health benefits of collagen aren't limited to just skincare. Many men are also taking to collagen for its ability to support gut health, build muscle mass, decrease joint pain, and speed up recovery time. All that and decreased fine lines and wrinkles? Who wouldn't want that?
Collagen is a structural protein that can be found in all the connective tissues throughout the human body. In fact, collagen makes up about 90% of the body's total protein. It can be thought of as a building block that supports and provides structure to the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, skin, blood vessels, gut, and more. Collagen helps these connective tissues to stay flexible and strong and keeps joint pain, wrinkles, muscle atrophy, and hair loss at bay. The body produces this abundant protein at a steady rate during youth. Then, after age 25 or so, collagen production slows and free radicals start to damage the collagen proteins already in the body.
Because collagen supports so many areas of the body, this gradual drop in collagen levels has pretty hefty consequences. It can cause arterial stiffness and further complications relating to heart health, muscle loss, leaky gut syndrome and other gastrointestinal issues, joint pain, lack of mobility and flexibility, wrinkles, and more. This is where collagen supplements come into play.
Collagen supplements, often called collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, are made by extracting collagen from certain animal body parts. Common sources include fish skin (marine collagen), cowhides (bovine collagen), chicken ligaments, and eggshell membranes. Then, the collagen undergoes a process called hydrolysis which breaks the collagen down into a smaller, easily digestible form. The result is pure collagen powder that is 100% safe for human consumption. While the body's process of breaking down certain supplements can inhibit their efficacy, it is a necessary and useful step for collagen. When humans consume collagen, it is broken down into its three amino acids: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids all have additional unique health benefits, but they can also work together to help the body produce collagen on its own. Using a collagen supplement to up your collagen intake has many health benefits.
Collagen essentially works the same for both men and women. However, all too often collagen is viewed as strictly a "beautifying" ingredient. The reality is this is just an added perk! Collagen can benefit the male body in many different ways and help men to achieve their health goals including:
If you're interested in using a collagen supplement to help you achieve your fitness or wellness goals, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. In many cases, consuming 10-20 grams of collagen is enough and will not cause side effects. However, those with extremely active lifestyles may require a bit more.
Choosing the right collagen supplement can also make a world of a difference. Don't fall for gimmicky "triple chocolate" flavored collagen protein mixes. Instead, choose a lean and pure supplement like 1 Body's Collagen Complex. Just take 3 capsules every day to up your collagen intake and fast-track your health goals.
For enhanced bioavailability, try taking collagen alongside a vitamin C supplement. When consumed together, vitamin C can help to increase the rate at which the body can absorb and use the collagen so none goes to waste.
