Women have been primarily interested in collagen supplements because these have been their significant promises for years. You would look great with curly hair, strong nails, and the supple, dewy skin of a 20-year-old.
Recently, collagen supplements have also been showing up in the shopping carts of many guys, fueled in part by claims they help with traditionally “manly” traits, such as more prominent muscles.
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Jeff Gladd, an integrative medicine physician, says there is also a possibility that the increase in interest from men is because collagen comes in a variety of protein powders, creamers, and premixed beverages, which don’t taste as bad as some other supplements.
He said, “There are many benefits to collagen for skin and joint health, but it’s also easy to mix into many foods and beverages without altering their flavor or texture.”
How Does Collagen Work?
The most abundant protein in the body, collagen, maintains the regular strength and structure of connective tissue, such as bones, skin, cartilage, and blood vessels. The body produces less collagen as you age, resulting in saggy skin. The collagen breaks down faster at the same time. Therefore, we should replace collagen with supplements made from bones, skin and meat of animals such as cows, pigs and fish.
How Are Collagen Supplements Made?
Our bodies can’t absorb collagen in its complete form, so that popping collagen won’t replace the collagen already in our bones, skin, or joints. It is believed that our bodies contain primarily type I collagen, found in the skin, and type II collagen, found in cartilage. As supplements, collagen type I and type III are marketed as supporting skin, hair, and nails, while type II has been linked to joint health.
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How Can Collagen Benefit Men?
- It may revitalize the skin.
- The supplement may help build muscle and reduce body fat
- It may aid in the recovery of muscles
- It may help treat joint diseases
Do Men Need To Take Collagen?
Supplemental collagen science is still emerging and relatively inconclusive, but buying from a reputable brand provides little risk. Collagen supplements work best when combined with whole foods and exercise. “Like most supplements, they should be considered supplemental and an addition to core lifestyle efforts for health, not a replacement.