Best Collagen Supplements for Men

Buying guide for best collagen supplements for men

Written by devangana

Updated July 2024

Men can benefit from collagen supplements just as much as women can. Are you a man who works out? Do you have a sports injury? Are you looking to thicken your hair, either on your head or your face? A collagen supplement might be just what you’re looking for. And, yes, it will also give you more youthful, supple-looking skin.

Like with all health supplements, the choices can be dizzying. We’re here to help you pick the most reputable and safest collagen supplements for men.

If you want to learn more about the myriad ways collagen can support your body and what to look for in a collagen supplement, our guide has everything you need to know.

As you age, your body’s collagen levels start to decline. Overexposure to the sun or a high-sugar diet can also decrease collagen levels.

Benefits of collagen

All our bodies contain collagen. It’s an essential and abundant structural protein that’s found in our connective tissues and skin. Therefore, supplementing with collagen can support and nourish our muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin. Collagen supplements are sourced from animals, so note that these are not vegetarian supplements.

While it’s always best to consult with a doctor or healthcare practitioner before taking any supplement, here is a list of the health benefits many men experience from supplementing with high-quality collagen:

• Boosts energy and athletic performance

• Rejuvenates beard and hair growth

• Helps build muscles

• Supports metabolism and enhances weight loss

• Builds strong bones and improves bone density

• Reduces arthritis or joint pain

• Contains anti-aging properties that contribute to a youthful appearance

• Promotes skin elasticity and hydration

• Leads to faster nail growth and increased nail strength

• Improves mood

• Enhances immune function

• Aids digestive health and heals gut lining or “leaky gut”

• Has anti-inflammatory benefits

Key considerations

Types of collagen

You may see the types of collagen listed on a collagen supplement’s label. While there are 28 types of collagen, types I, II, and III are typically used in supplements. Some supplements contain all three, whereas others contain only one.

Types I and III are best for hair, skin, and nails and anti-aging as well. Type II is best for cartilage, joints, and bones. It only comes from collagen derived from chickens. Types I and III are usually from bovine sources.

In reality, any type of collagen will benefit your hair, nails, skin, bones, and joints as long as it’s high quality because all collagen contains beneficial amino acids.

Forms of collagen

Hydrolyzed collagen (or collagen hydrolysate) is a term you’ll see on many collagen supplements. It is derived from a process in which bovine bones and cartilage are broken down into small amino acids that are easier for your body to absorb and use to build collagen. These small, bioavailable units of amino acids are called collagen peptides, so there is no difference between purchasing hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides. Products sold as peptides come in powder form.

Bone broth protein powders are another way to ingest collagen. Bones and connective tissues of animals are slow-simmered for up to 48 hours to extract collagen and protein. This broth is then concentrated into a powder form that contains high amounts of protein (typically around 20 grams). Some powders have added collagen that rivals standalone collagen powders.

Powder vs. pills

Collagen supplements come in powder, capsule, or tablet form.

Collagen powders are mostly unflavored, though some consumers taste them anyway (and not always to their liking). They are a great way to thicken a smoothie and also add a significant amount of protein in lieu of a separate protein powder. They can be used in hot or cold liquids.

Capsules and tablets have the advantage of convenience and no weird taste. Collagen supplements targeted specifically for beard growth tend to come in pill form.

Features

Beard growth

If you’re looking to grow a lustrous, bushy beard, select a collagen supplement targeted for beard growth. These supplements contain biotin and other key vitamins and minerals that promote thicker beards.

Added vitamins and minerals

Some collagen supplements for men also contain vitamins and minerals for added health benefits. Turmeric is a popular additive. It’s an anti-inflammatory herb that can help with joint or arthritis pain, along with other health benefits.

Grass-fed/pasture-raised

For paleo and keto men, look for collagen supplements derived from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals. Grain-fed cows and chickens aren’t friendly to a paleo or keto diet. Even if you aren’t following a restrictive diet, grass-fed collagen supplements claim to be less inflammatory for the body.

Kosher

If you follow a kosher diet, there are collagen supplements that are kosher-certified. These are typically bovine-derived products.

Bone broth protein

Although collagen naturally contains a significant amount of protein, a collagen powder derived from concentrated bone broth can contain even more protein, over 20 grams per serving. Bone broth proteins are one of the most nutritional protein powders on the market, containing all the health benefits of collagen.

Flavor

Collagen powders come flavored and unflavored. Based on your tastebuds, select a flavor ranging from classics like vanilla and chocolate to more inventive flavors like strawberry lemonade. Unflavored collagen is generally tasteless to most palates.

Price

Men’s collagen supplements in pill form tend to be less expensive than powders. They range from $13 to $20 for about a month’s supply.

For quality collagen hydrolysate or peptides, expect to pay around $25 for a month’s supply. A mid-level bone broth protein powder will cost around $30, though these powders can run upwards of $40 for top-of-the-line brands.

Tips

• Collagen powders don’t have to be mixed into liquids. Add a scoopful to your yogurt or oatmeal in the morning.

• If you’ve got a sweet tooth, look for a flavored collagen powder like vanilla. We recommend collagen supplements containing monk fruit or stevia in lieu of sugar.

• Pescatarian? Try marine collagen, derived from seafood. Note that it only contains Type I collagen.

• Hydrolyzed collagen is easy to dissolve in water and easy to digest because it has already been broken down in a multi-step process.

• Collagen powders add thickness and a significant amount of protein to a breakfast or workout smoothie.

Collagen supplements tend to be dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free. They are also friendly to keto, paleo, and Whole30 diets.

FAQ

Q. How long does it take to see results from collagen supplements?

A. Though it varies depending on what health benefits you’re seeking, generally give 30 to 60 days before expecting results from a collagen supplement.

Q. Are there any vegetarian options for collagen supplements?

A. Yes, but they are limited. There are “collagen” powders derived from collagen-boosting fruits and vegetables. These do not contain actual collagen but do contain amino acids that are said to be precursors to collagen production in the body.

Q. How can I use collagen supplements to boost my workouts?

A. We recommend supplementing after your workout with collagen powder in either water, juice, or a smoothie to replenish lost electrolytes. Collagen powders contain sodium and potassium, both electrolytes, and also amino acids like glycine, arginine, and proline to repair and restore your post-workout muscles. They also contain protein, roughly between 10 to 22 grams depending on the manufacturer.

Q. Are collagen peptides the same thing as collagen?

A. Collagen peptides are a more bioavailable form of collagen, meaning they are better absorbed by the body. Through the process of hydrolysis, the molecular bonds of a collagen protein are broken down into smaller peptides. Peptides are made of the same amino acids as larger collagen molecules, and therefore they have the same nutritional value. But because they are smaller, peptides enter the bloodstream more easily after digestion. Hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate are other names for peptides.