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11 Things About What Collagen Does to Men

Man feeling good with his skin. 11 Things About What Collagen Does to Men
Image credit: Freepik

When most people hear the word “collagen,” they often think of skincare and anti-aging products aimed at women. However, collagen isn't just about youthful skin. It’s a powerhouse protein that plays a critical role in men’s health, especially as we age. From joint health and muscle maintenance to gut function and overall vitality, collagen offers a wide range of benefits that every man should be aware of.


In this article, we’ll explore the science-backed benefits of collagen for men, and why it might just be the supplement you didn’t know you needed.


Let’s understand collagen


Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body. It's a major structural component found in connective tissue, skin, tendons, cartilage, and bones.Think of it as the "glue" that keeps your body together.


When aging begins around age 30, the body naturally creates less collagen than it did in the past. This decline leads to common signs of ageing with the symptoms like wrinkled skin, joint stiffness, reduced muscle mass, and slower recovery from injuries.


So, there is enough evidence that why should men pay attention to their collagen levels? Let’s break down the key benefits.

  1. Joint health

One of the most notable benefits of collagen for men is its impact on joint health. Whether you're an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone feeling the wear and tear of aging, collagen can help maintain flexibility and reduce joint pain.


Collagen type II is a primary component of cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. As collagen levels decline, cartilage deteriorates, leading to discomfort or even conditions like osteoarthritis. Supplementing with collagen has been shown to reduce joint pain and improve mobility.


A study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences found that athletes who took collagen hydrolysate had less joint pain during activity, suggesting collagen may be particularly beneficial for active individuals.

  1. Muscle mass and strength

Collagen makes up about 1% to 10% of muscle tissue, and it's especially important for maintaining lean muscle mass. As men age, sarcopenia, a natural loss of muscle mass can impact strength, balance, and overall vitality.


Collagen supplements, particularly when paired with resistance training, have been demonstrated to improve muscular build and strength in older men. The amino acid profile of collagen, particularly glycine and arginine, supports the synthesis of creatine, which helps improve performance and endurance.

3. Improves skin appearance

Though it might not be the first benefit men look for, collagen can noticeably improve skin appearance by improving elasticity, hydration, and texture. Collagen type I is the most prevalent in the skin, giving it structure and firmness.


Better skin isn’t just about vanity. Healthy skin is more resistant to damage from the sun and environmental stressors. With age, reduced collagen results in wrinkles, dryness, and sagging skin. Taking collagen supplements helps replenish lost protein and stimulates the body’s natural collagen production.


In order to promote collagen synthesis and shield it from harm, glutathione is essential. It functions by promoting the function of fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen, and lowering oxidative stress, which can cause collagen to break down. Additionally, glutathione aids in defending collagen against damage from free radicals.



4. Strengthen hair and nail


Collagen contains amino acids that are also essential for the production of keratin, the protein that makes up hair and nails. Men who experience brittle nails, slow hair growth, or thinning hair may benefit from increased collagen intake.


While it won’t necessarily reverse baldness or genetic hair loss, collagen can help support a healthier scalp and reduce hair breakage.


5. Promotes gut health


An underrated benefit of collagen is its positive effect on the digestive system, particularly the gut lining. The amino acid glutamine, found in collagen, supports the integrity of the intestinal wall.


Men who suffer from leaky gut syndrome, acid reflux, or other digestive issues may find that collagen helps reduce inflammation and supports the repair of the gut lining.


While collagen isn’t a cure-all for gut issues, it can be a helpful part of a comprehensive gut-healing protocol.


6. Recovery and healing

Collagen plays a role in tissue repair, which is crucial for men who lead active lifestyles or are recovering from injuries. From muscle tears and sprains to surgery recovery, collagen helps rebuild the connective tissue matrix faster.


Specially if you’re lifting weights, playing sports, or dealing with chronic pain, adding collagen to your routine may reduce downtime and help you bounce back quicker.


7. Improves bone density


Bone loss isn’t just a concern for women. After the age of 30, men also begin to lose bone density, which can lead to fractures and osteoporosis later in life.


Collagen provides the structural framework for bones. It acts in tandem with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D to promote bone strength. Clinical studies have shown that collagen peptides may increase bone mineral density and improve markers of bone formation.


8. Promotes better sleep


Glycine, a major amino acid in collagen, has been shown to promote deeper, more restful sleep. This can be especially helpful for men who deal with stress, sleep apnea, or poor recovery.


Glycine lowers core body temperature and calms the nervous system, both of which promote better sleep quality.

9. Improved brain health

The glycine found in collagen has been demonstrated to improve sleep quality and reduce daytime tiredness. Good sleep is critical for cognitive performance and mental wellness.

10. Improved liver health

Glycine in collagen can help prevent liver damage and mitigate the effects of toxic drugs like alcohol or pollutants, supporting better circulation and general health. However, excessive collagen deposition can contribute to liver fibrosis and disease. Therefore, one must be aware of the quantity consumed per day. 


For health and fitness, men are about more than hitting the gym or taking a multivitamin. Collagen is a foundational nutrient that supports many aspects of male physiology, from joint and muscle strength to skin, gut, and bone health. As collagen production naturally declines with age, supplementing can help maintain physical performance, appearance, and overall wellness.


Whether you’re in your 30's trying to stay ahead of the aging curve, or in your 50's and feeling the effects of time, collagen is a low-effort, high-impact addition to your daily routine.

So, gentlemen don’t leave collagen in the beauty aisle. It's time to reclaim it for what it really is a cornerstone of robust, resilient health.



 
 
 

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