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4 Reasons Men Should Take Collagen

Natural Factors
Middle-aged man looking at a mirror, upset with thinning hair

Fellas, when you see collagen do you think, “that’s not for me”? Probably because most of what you hear about collagen supplements are their many beauty benefits. But we’re here to tell you, collagen is not just for beauty! Bioactive collagen peptides have a wide range of health benefits that everyone can take advantage of. Here are five reasons men should consider adding collagen to their wellness plan.

Exercise Performance and Recovery

Is it taking a bit longer to bounce back from a big workout these days? Collagen may help! As hydrolyzed collagen provides a source of amino acids involved in protein synthesis, collagen is a helpful supplement after a workout or injury. For example, a recent review study reported that collagen helped reduce joint pain, improve joint function, and increase the length of pain-free strenuous exertion. [1] Because of these beneficial effects, studies report that collagen may reduce the need for alternative pain management therapies, especially when combined with an exercise rehabilitation program. [1–3]

Man with sore muscles on a run

Healthy Joints

Our joints keep us moving; give them the attention they deserve! Research shows that when combined with exercise, bioactive collagen peptides can help reduce joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. [2,4]

Hair

By age 35, over 60% of men will experience some degree of hair loss. One way to support hair loss is to provide your body with the building blocks of keratin, the primary structural protein found in hair. Those building blocks, or amino acids (such as proline), can be found in collagen supplements. Research shows that bioactive collagen peptides can increase hair thickness after 16 weeks of supplementation. [5]

Man playing basketball

Anti-aging 

Let's face it; it's not just women who want to age more gracefully. Several studies report that taking bioactive collagen peptides for as little as four weeks can show skin aging benefits, such as improved eye wrinkles, hydration, and skin elasticity. [6,7]

So there you have it, gents! Collagen supplements are definitely not just for beauty and anti-aging, but can also offer a variety of whole-body health benefits.

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Natural Factors
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References
  1. Khatri M, Naughton RJ, Clifford T, et al. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: A systematic review. Amino Acids. 2021;53(10), 1493-506. 
  2. Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Fleschsenhar KR, et al. 24-week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008; 24(5):1485-96.
  3. Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Gollhofer A, et al. Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2017; 42(6):588-95.
  4. Garcia-Coronado J, Martinez-Olvera L, Elizondo-Omana R, et al. Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Int Orthop. 2019;43(3):531-8.
  5. Oesser S. The oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. Nutrafoods. 2020; 1:134-8.
  6. Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, et al. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014; 27(3):113-9.
  7. Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert, et al. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014; 27(1):47-55
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