Collagen for men - should men consume collagen too?
Collagen for men brings not only physical benefits but also an aesthetic aspect that can increase confidence and improve appearance.
Lush hair, stronger nails, and flexible, youthful skin. These have been the main promises of collagen for many years, which means that dietary supplements have primarily targeted women.
However, collagen is becoming increasingly popular as a dietary supplement for men.
What is the role of collagen?
Collagen is one of the most important and most abundant proteins in the body. It represents 30% of the total protein mass in the body. It is most prevalent in the dermis (the central layer of the skin), where it makes up 75% of the dry weight of the skin.
Collagen provides our bones and skin with a rigid and integrated structure, giving strength and support to various tissues in the body. Together with elastin, it ensures the elasticity of the skin.
Collagen could also be called the glue that holds our body together because it not only affects the skin but also other important parts of our body. Collagen is present in bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and blood vessels. Its function is to maintain these structures strong, flexible, and durable.
Like all proteins we consume, collagen is composed of amino acids. However, the specific combination of amino acids in collagen (especially lysine, glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine) makes collagen particularly rigid and resistant to stretching.
This makes it highly effective in providing structural support to body tissues and promoting the elasticity of the skin and healthy hair.
The amount of collagen in the body decreases with age
As we age, the body produces less collagen, and collagen also breaks down more quickly. Environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, lack of sleep, and a diet high in sugar can accelerate this degradation.
Therefore, it seems sensible to replace the lost collagen with dietary supplements that contain collagen. But is it necessary for men as well?
Certainly. Men also age, so it is worth considering replacing lost collagen. Collagen is responsible for maintaining strong bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissue, promoting hair growth, and slowing down hair loss, as well as improving the appearance of the skin.
With age, the production of collagen in the body decreases, which can lead to weakened bones, slower muscle regeneration, and joint problems such as osteoarthritis.
What are the benefits of collagen for men?
Collagen for men brings not only physical benefits but also an aesthetic aspect that can increase confidence and improve appearance.
Collagen for men can improve joint mobility
One of the main reasons why men take collagen is its positive impact on joint health. With aging, cartilage wear, and tear can occur, leading to pain and stiffness in the joints.
Some studies show that collagen can help maintain and regenerate cartilage and reduce inflammation associated with joint problems such as osteoarthritis. Regular consumption of collagen can reduce joint pain, increase mobility, and improve overall joint health in men.
Collagen for men for faster post-workout recovery
Collagen is also essential for muscle health. The proteins in collagen contain amino acids that are the building blocks of muscles.
Studies show that consuming collagen can support muscle mass gain, improve muscle strength, and accelerate recovery after intense workouts. Additionally, collagen promotes the formation of collagen fibers in muscle tissues, contributing to greater muscle strength and resilience.
Collagen for men can maintain strong bones
Men are also prone to bone problems such as osteoporosis, especially as they age. Collagen is crucial for maintaining strong bones as it contributes to bone mass formation and improves bone density.
In bones, collagen forms a network on which minerals such as calcium are deposited, providing strength and resilience to the bones. Without sufficient collagen, our bones would be fragile and more prone to fractures.
With age, the production of collagen in the body decreases, which can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis in men. Consuming collagen as a dietary supplement can help maintain bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.
Collagen for men can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss
Hair loss is a common concern for many men, especially as they age. Collagen plays a significant role in maintaining the health and growth of hair follicles. It provides the necessary proteins and amino acids to support hair growth and strengthen the hair strands.
By supplementing with collagen, men can promote hair growth, reduce hair thinning, and prevent hair loss. Collagen helps to strengthen the hair follicles, improve the overall condition of the scalp, and enhance the thickness and texture of the hair.
Collagen for men can improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging
Although men may not prioritize skincare as much as women traditionally do, maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin is important for everyone. Collagen plays a vital role in skin elasticity and firmness.
As men age, the decrease in collagen production can lead to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. By supplementing with collagen, men can improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote a more youthful complexion.
Collagen also supports the skin's ability to retain moisture, which helps keep the skin hydrated and plump. This can contribute to a healthier and more vibrant appearance.
Collagen for men can support overall health and well-being
In addition to its specific benefits for hair, skin, joints, muscles, and bones, collagen offers numerous other advantages for men's overall health and well-being.
Collagen can support gut health by strengthening the intestinal lining and promoting better digestion. It can also contribute to healthy metabolism and support weight management.
Why are collagen dietary supplements better than natural collagen in food?
Hydrolyzed collagen is one of the most common forms of collagen in dietary supplements and is processed to consist of peptides with a molecular weight of up to 10.000 Da.
Hydrolyzed collagen is derived from natural collagen present in certain foods, which can be ingested by consuming animal skin, ligaments, or bones (e.g., beef broth or gelatin).
Unfortunately, collagen in these foods is found in minimal amounts, and natural collagen has very poor absorption. It is composed of multiple amino acids that are tightly wound into a solid, long protein chain that the body cannot absorb in the digestive tract.
To simplify, we can say that collagen molecules in bone broth are too large to be effectively absorbed into the bloodstream during digestion. Similarly, gelatin molecules, which are commonly used in cooking, are not absorbed in a form that can replace the natural decline of collagen.
It has been proven that the absorption of hydrolyzed collagen in the form of a dietary supplement is 90%, while the absorption of collagen from food is approximately 27%. This means that the absorption yield of hydrolyzed collagen can be up to 5 times higher than that of collagen from food.
Collagen Shot 10.000
Collagen Shot 10.000 is a highly concentrated dietary supplement containing 10,000 mg of hydrolyzed fish collagen, MSM, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and D, and zinc.
The effectiveness of the product is confirmed by a clinical study that demonstrated the synergistic effect of collagen, MSM, and vitamin C, meaning their combined effect on the skin is greater than if the ingredients were taken separately.
It contains 1x more collagen than Collagen Shot, making it particularly recommended for older people and those with increased nutritional replacement needs, as it contains a high concentration of collagen (10 g) and MSM (2 g), which have a beneficial effect on joints. Higher doses of collagen are also recommended after surgeries, laser procedures on the skin, and during increased physical activity.