YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.
You’ve probably seen Collagen pop up in the media and on your Instagram feed—and read about celebrities such as Orlando Bloom, David Beckham and Brad Pitt supplementing their diet, and/or buying skincare products, with the ingredient. You might have even done some research and read about the science backed benefits of collagen but you’ve got more questions. We’re here to help you. Read on.
First and foremost, its important to note that collagen is the second most abundant substance in our body, after water. Collagen also happens to be the most abundant protein in our body.
It is found in all our connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and bones, with its purpose being to provide these body parts with their strength, structure and elasticity. As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at naturally producing collagen which is why so many men supplement their diet with collagen to keep their bodies in optimal working condition.
Is collagen for men?
Most adults could benefit from collagen supplements—no matter their age or gender. Whether male, female or non-binary, we are all humans. This means we are all made up of around 25%-35% protein, we all age, and we all experience a gradual decline in our collagen levels from our early twenties.
As we age, the body’s natural collagen production begins to slow down and the signs of ageing—like joint pain, weaker cartilage, thinning hair and sagging skin—become more apparent.
In other words, the advantages for men taking a collagen protein supplement are as plentiful and relevant for anyone, regardless of gender.
So, it comes as no surprise men’s health magazines, Dr’s and nutritionists say Collagen is the protein supplement men (and women) should be taking.
Is collagen good for men's health?
With its association to hair, skin, nails and cosmetics, it’s understandable that many guys out there think collagen is just for women. Well… think again.
It`s a common misperception that women use collagen more than men. Whilst collagen is usually associated with glowing skin, hair, nails or getting a youthful complexion, it also has numerous health benefits throughout your body particularly in places like your muscles, joints and even digestion. Collagen is useful in muscle recovery and fighting off anti-aging signs such as hair thinning, achy joints and low energy. The benefits for men include:
+ Heart Health
+ Hair Loss
+ Gut Health
+ Metabolism
+ Muscle Mass
+ Joints
As we age, collagen levels decrease, by adding collagen into your diet, it’s super easy to boost your levels and reap the benefits.
Can older men take collagen?
Yes, is the short answer. It’s never too late to start taking collagen supplements.
We begin to lose about 1% of our collagen per year in our mid-20s. As we age, the body’s natural collagen production begins to slow down and the signs of ageing—like joint pain, weaker cartilage, thinning hair and sagging skin—become more apparent. By the time we get to 40, we will have lost around a third of our natural collagen. Excess sun exposure, smoking and poor diet can also inhibit collagen production.
Fortunately, clinical studies show that supplementing your diet with ingestible collagen can increase your collagen intake and has multiple science-backed benefits.
If you have allergies to fish, are vegan or vegetarian you will need to source the appropriate collagen protein to meet your dietary requirements.
What age shall I start taking collagen?
They say "prevention is better than cure" so to reap the maximum benefits, we recommend you start taking Collagen daily from your mid 20's, but it's never too late to start.
Does collagen help your hair grow?
No man, of any age, wants to lose their hair. Although it`s largely due to genetics, it can also occur as a result of the ageing process. Usually, men do not take it seriously until they start noticing hair loss.
When it comes to our hair, the specific protein responsible for maintaining its structure and quality is keratin. As we age and keratin reduces, hair often becomes thinner, weaker and sometimes more coarse. Collagen contains amino acids in a very easy to absorb form and some of these amino acids are vital for the production of keratin, so a supplement may be key to helping keep hair at its optimum condition.
Collagen keeps both hair follicles supple and strong and can be used to replenish and strengthen hair.
Does collagen help male pattern baldness?
It’s a topic that can strike fear into the heart of many men. Hair loss.
As mentioned above, keratin helps to keep hair strong and to promote growth. Going one step further, however, a study in Japan found that the reduction of a type of collagen, XVII, near hair follicle stems is associated with hair loss. The study examined mice at the age when they usually begin to lose hair. It found that those lacking in type XVII saw damaged stem cells turn into skin cells, which break away from the body like dandruff, thus contributing to hair follicle shrinkage and ultimately hair loss.
Given that amino acids are essential for stimulating and supporting hair follicles and keratin production, it makes sense to ensure that your diet includes a high-quality source of these proteins so as to potentially avoid hair loss and maintain a healthy head of hair.
Is it worth taking collagen?
Although there are also several protein-rich foods you can eat to increase your collagen intake, including beef, pork skin and bone broth, the problem is that these unprocessed sources of amino acids are comparatively difficult for your body to absorb. So, you’d need to consume an enormous amount of bone broth to have any impact on your collagen levels.
Using a process called hydrolysation we break down the collagen into smaller pieces known as “peptides” which makes it easier for you to absorb. This is why collagen peptides are also known as hydrolysed collagen.
Does collagen help joints?
Yes, collagen supports joint health. Collagen helps maintain the healthy cartilage, which is the rubber-like tissue that covers the surface of our joints, protecting them from wear and tear. As we age, the amount of collagen in our body decreases so we are at an increased risk of developing conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Taking collagen regularly aids in the repair of cartilage tissue, as well as alleviating joint inflammation and pain, thereby easing daily tasks like walking, and climbing stairs, as well as exercising.
Clinical trials have shown supplementation with collagen may reduce activity and exercise-related joint pain. High impact activities and high-intensity sports exert stress on joints that can lead to pain and injury.
For example a joint study by Harvard Medical School and Tufts Medical Centre showed that the patients taking Collagen had “significant re-growth of damaged cartilage” after a year. A study conducted by Penn State University showed that 73 athletes who consumed collagen daily for 24 weeks experienced a significant decrease in joint pain while walking and at rest, compared with the group that did not take it. In another study, adults that took collagen daily for 70 days had a significant reduction in joint pain and were better able to engage in physical activity than those who did not take it.
Studies have also shown that taking Collagen with Vitamin C (which plays an essential role in collagen synthesis in our bodies) (1) helps maintain healthy cartilage, the tissue that covers the surface of our joints, protecting them from wear and tear and (2) helps with the healing of tendons bone and ligament grafts (our HIMMENSE daily collagen drink also contains 100% of your NRV of Vitamin C).
Can collagen help muscles recover faster?
If you’re looking to boost your recovery after a particularly tough work-out, you need to pay attention to your nutrition as well as taking rest days and stretching. So, whether you’re a marathon runner, triathlete or gym-goer, collagen protein helps to build and repair the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage that are stressed during exercise.
Protein loss occurs in muscles during and after long periods of exercise due to oxidation, inflammatory reactions, and muscle microlesions. Collagen is an excellent protein source, packing in more protein per calorie than other sources while containing less sodium and sugar, and the combination of collagen’s high bioavailability with its high amino acid content makes it an optimal post-workout supplement that rapidly absorbs and can quickly work to help repair and replenish proteins broken down during exercise.
In fact, Glycine is the main amino acid present in collagen and responsible for building muscle tissue and improving its mass, which then helps the body turn food into energy. It can prevent muscles from breaking down by boosting the level of creatine in the body. Boosting creatine in the muscles can help them to perform better in short, intense bursts of activity such as weightlifting or sprinting. Several studies have shown that boosting creatine in the body can lead to increased muscle strength, mass, and power, and it can help with recovery after exercise and rehabilitation after injury.
Remember though, it’s important to not just focus on building muscle. Our collagen-rich tendons, ligaments, bones, and connective tissue are actually what enable our bodies to get stronger. If you want to lift heavier weights, then you’ll need to have stronger supporting structures.
What is the connection between collagen and heart health?
A meta-analysis published in The British Journal of Nutrition determined that collagen supplements positively affected biomarkers related to cardiovascular disease, with studies showing that taking collagen supplements can reduce artery stiffness and increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol in the body. This means it can help reduce your risk of developing heart conditions.
Collagen provides structure to your arteries, which keep blood flowing to and from your heart. Arteries are the vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart throughout the body. They play a crucial role in distributing oxygen, nutrients and hormones throughout your body. Weak, stiff, and inflexible arteries are linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and stroke. In one small study, people who took a collagen supplement at breakfast and dinner (for a total of 16 grams per day) showed a significant reduction in arterial stiffness. A separate study found that 2.5 grams of collagen per day had similar effects.
Collagen helps improve cholesterol balance and also decrease total cholesterol, lower triglycerides (fats linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease) and prevent and treat the build-up of plaque on artery walls. If your levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol are too high, it can build up on the walls of your arteries. This build-up is also known as cholesterol plaque. This plaque can narrow your arteries, limit your blood flow, and raise your risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. In one study, participants experienced a significant reduction in measures of artery stiffness and their levels of HDL (good) cholesterol rose by an average of 6%.
Collagen helps balance blood pressure. When arteries become stiff and thick, it’s harder for blood to flow easily, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, or hypertension. Some research suggests that glycine, one of the primary amino acids in collagen can promote heart health by reducing blood pressure and protect against arterial damage.
Is marine collagen good for you?
There have been some impressive clinical studies showing that supplementing your diet with ingestible collagen can increase your collagen intake and has multiple benefits such as
+ improving skin elasticity & reducing acne and acne related blemishes
+ providing relief from joint & muscle pain
+ boosting muscle mass & faster muscle recovery
+ preventing bone loss
+ promoting heart health
+ increasing hair and nail strength
+ improving gut and brain health
+ aiding weight loss
Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen?
Studies that have looked at the absorption of collagen peptides found marine collagen tends to be absorbed better than bovine collagen due to its low molecular weight. Studies also show hydrolyzed collagen seems to be well absorbed in general, and can boost circulating levels of important amino acids.
Clinical studies show that Himmense SHIFT's key ingredient, Type 1 hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides, can have a beneficial effect on the appearance of skin, boost muscle mass and reduce joint pain when taken daily for 12 weeks. And it can boost circulating levels of important amino acids. We highlight some of these studies here.
Furthermore, Marine collagen is more sustainably produced and has less impact on the environment than for example bovine collagen which is sourced from animals (cows & pigs). And there is a lower risk of contaminants as Marine Collagen does not pose any known risk of transmissible diseases.
Marine collagen is sourced from the skin of freshwater fish, so it’s not recommended for those with allergies to fish - sorry about that. It does NOT however, contain any shellfish or crustacean, so no worries there.
Does collagen make you gain weight?
Taking a collagen supplement will not cause you to gain weight. In fact, it can help support you on your weight loss journey.
Firstly, we know, that you know, eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, managing stress and getting enough sleep are the best ways to help maintain your health and weight. But we understand these things are not always possible, especially when balancing the demands of life.
Collagen is an excellent protein source, packing in more protein per calorie than other sources while containing less sodium and sugar. The amino acids in collagen, particularly glycine, glutamine, and arginine, play an important role in supporting healthy metabolisms and muscle mass.
For example, a 2019 study in recreationally active men aged between 21-27 years showed that a combination of collagen supplements and strength training increased muscle mass and strength more than a placebo. Another study of 53 elderly men with sarcopenia a loss of muscle caused by aging, found that those who took collagen daily, in addition to lifting weights three times per week for 3 months, gained significantly more muscle and lost more fat than those who only lifted weights.
It’s worth noting that our HIMMENSE SHIFT daily collagen drinks also contain Selenium, Ashwagandha,Vitamin D3 and Vitamins B5, B6 and B12.
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength and reduce body fat. In one study, healthy men who took 750–1,250 mg of pulverized ashwagandha root per day gained muscle strength after 30 days. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of 57 young male subjects (18-50 years old) with little experience in resistance training, showed those who took ashwagandha had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size. It also more than doubled their reductions in body fat percentage, compared with the placebo group. Furthermore, several studies have suggested that Ashwagandha can reduce blood sugar levels.
Selenium is an essential trace mineral and the fact that there’s more Selenium in thyroid tissue than in any other organ in the human body tells you something about the influential role this mineral plays in the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. And a healthy thyroid gland is important, as it regulates your metabolism. A study including over 6,000 people found that low levels of selenium were associated with abnormal thyroid function.
A surprising benefit of Vitamin D is that it can boost weight loss. A study in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that people taking a daily calcium and vitamin D supplement were able to lose more weight than subjects taking a placebo.
B vitamins help the body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins so that our bodies can use them for energy and rebuilding tissues, muscles, and organs.
What are the side effects of collagen?
We put our products through their paces and we’ve never seen any unwanted side-effects. Sadly, no wanted side-effects either though, like wings, laser vision, or the power of grayskull... sorry.
Whilst we don’t know of any conflicts, if you are taking other medications or supplements and you’ve got any worries, speak to your doctor - they’ll know best.
What type of collagen is best?
Well, we’re convinced it’s HIMMENSE SHIFT! Why? Because HIMMENSE SHIFT daily collagen drink has been especially formulated for men. It is also infused with vitamin C, for maximum absorption, as well as vitamins, B5, B6, B12, D3, Selenium and Ashwagandha for multiple health benefits.
We know men want to look and feel their best which is why we’ve made sure our SHIFT collagen drink for men is free from added sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours and does not contain lactose, gluten, dairy, soya, wheat, starch, yeast, animal fat, alcohol, emulsifying agents or soy lecithin. Plus our packaging is recyclable. Win win.
Furthermore, our advanced formula for men, has been developed and produced especially for Himmense by a UK-based manufacturer of Nutritional Supplements. Their facility is British Retail Consortium (BRC) quality accredited to the latest Global Food Standards and employs HACCP quality protocols. It is also registered with the FDA.
So, join the plus side and shop HIMMENSE SHIFT here.
How much collagen should I take?
We are all different and some people may need more due to exercise regimes. Others may need less. It will depend on your age, body type, sleep, routine, general health etc. The key to success is consistency and persistence, so just take your serving every day and be patient for results.
As for how to take collagen, HIMMENSE SHIFT daily 20ml collagen drinks are designed to give you flexibility. You can simply snap the pouch and squeeze the contents into your mouth. Alternatively, you can add HIMMENSE SHIFT to your smoothies, porridge, morning coffee or protein drinks. Take one, once a day, everyday, anytime you like to start benefitting (probably not just after brushing your teeth though, the Mixed Berry flavour and toothpaste is an acquired taste, to put it lightly).
How long does it take to see results?
We’ve seen brilliant results in as little as 2 weeks. But every body is different, so if it’s taking a little longer - stick with it, it’s 100% worth it.
Be patient. It can take up to 8-12 weeks to notice benefits as often our bodies heal from the inside out, but time does vary from person to person because every body is different.
Collagen is an excellent protein source, packing in more protein per calorie than other sources while containing less sodium and sugar. And proteins are the building blocks our bodies use to heal, grow, repair and rejuvenate. Sometimes what our bodies need proteins for isn’t always visible on the outside. Bone density could increase; ligament strength and flexibility could improve, brain, heart and other organ health may be optimised. Collagen protein doesn’t have to show up in just our hair, skin, nails and muscles!
Clinical studies show that Himmense SHIFT's key ingredient, Type 1 hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides, can have a beneficial effect on the appearance of skin, boost muscle mass and reduce joint pain when taken daily for 12 weeks which is aligned with what our subscribers tell us.
For example, a study found that participants who took a collagen supplement daily for 12 weeks had less dryness, fewer visible wrinkles and better blood flow in the skin compared with a control group.
In another study conducted by Penn State University, 73 athletes who consumed collagen daily for 24 weeks experienced a significant decrease in joint pain while walking and at rest, compared with a group that did not take it.
So, you may not notice the benefits visibly for weeks. Which is why we have packed our premium marine collagen with clinically proven vitamins and minerals so either way you’re getting tons of benefits straight away.
Discover more about what collagen is here.
Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Consult a doctor or healthcare professional if you have any questions or are taking any other medications before you try any remedies.
