Should Men Take Collagen? Plus, The Best Formulas For Muscles & Joints

Integrative HealthThe 5 Best Collagen Supplements For Men & How To Choose

Author: Hannah FryeJuly 13, 2023

Assistant Beauty & Health EditorBy Hannah FryeAssistant Beauty & Health EditorHannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.Image by mbg Creative / mbg CreativeJuly 13, 2023Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.

Collagen is notoriously marketed toward women for its beauty-related benefits, but let it be known that collagen supplementation is for everyone. With that, the benefits go far beyond an enhanced complexion.*

These powerful peptides can be beneficial for muscle mass, joint support, gut health, and more.* To come, the best collagen supplements on the market for men, plus how to choose the best product for the benefits you seek.

Best collagen supplements for men in 2023

Best single serving: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement Travel Packs

:view on Amazon | $70

Pro

Travel-friendly

Con

Not the most sustainable packaging

Collagen per serving

10 grams

A big jar of powder can be difficult to travel with. If you want to skip pouring your powder into a travel-friendly bag or packing a huge jar in your suitcase, then these single serve packs are ideal. (Although, they do lose points in terms of sustainability.) This formula contains 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which is great for skin, bone, and joint support.*

Best for skin: mindbodygreen beauty and gut collagen+

:view on mindbodygreen | From $59

Pro

Specialized complex: collagen plus 7 other nutrients, botanicals, and bioactives
Higher dose of collagen than other options

Con

Not vegan

Collagen per serving

17.7 grams

This blend has everything you'd need in a collagen supplement, without the extra fillers or sugar. The 17.7 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides are joined by hyaluronic acid for joint and skin support, the protein building block L-glutamine, biotin for your beauty needs, and curcumin from turmeric extract and sulforaphane from broccoli seed extract for antioxidant support.*

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Best unflavored: Thorne Collagen Fit

:view on iHerb | $50

Pros

Supports cellular energy production*

Cons

Container isn't travel-friendly

Collagen per serving

15 grams

This is another great example of a multi-action collagen supplement. Thorne's formula contains 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides along with unique additions like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), which increases the body’s natural production of NAD+ (a coenzyme that is a key component in the production of cellular energy). The inclusion of Betaine also supports the body's natural methylation process.*

Best flavored: Further Food Chocolate Collagen Peptides Powder

:view on Amazon | $30

Pro

Delicious flavor

Con

Lower dose of collagen peptides compared to other powders

Collagen per serving

8 grams

If you want to make a treat out of your collagen supplementation, opt for this chocolaty blend. Unlike many flavored collagen powders, it's not filled with sugar or sweetened with artificial flavors—just cocoa powder and monk fruit extract. Plus, the tasty powder even contains reishi mushroom, which has been shown to support a healthy immune system on a cellular level.*

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Best for joints: Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore

:view on Amazon | $78

Pro

Supports tendons and ligaments*

Con

Contains shellfish

Collagen per serving

200 mg

For those who prefer to keep their supplement routine in capsules, this one is a great option. The formula is targeted toward joint support, including BioCell Collagen® which has been shown to promote joint comfort. Vitamin C is great for supporting your own collagen production while turmeric is included for a healthy inflammatory response—all of which are great for encouraging healthy joints.*

How to choose

Consider a higher dose: Collagen contains amino acids, which can be helpful for building muscle (in addition to other complete proteins). In one small clinical study, men who took 15 grams of collagen daily while participating in an exercise program gained more muscle mass1 than those who only completed the exercise program.* Many collagen supplements contain a significantly smaller dose (2.5 grams per day, for example), so make sure you're getting enough if muscle support is the benefit you're after.*
Make sure it's hydrolyzed: A 2023 review noted that hydrolyzed collagen is imperative for proper absorption. "Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to contain biologically active peptides that are able to reach joint tissues and exert chondroprotective effects," researchers note.*
Look for complementary ingredients: When shopping for collagen supplements, especially for muscle support, seek out complementary ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. According to one 2015 review, ingesting hyaluronic acid may help promote joint comfort2.*

The takeaway

Collagen supplementation is beneficial for many reasons, far beyond skin health support.* When shopping, look for a supplement that contains a higher dose of collagen for muscle-related benefits and other complementary ingredients, and always prioritize hydrolyzed formulas—here's why the latter is so important.

beauty & gut collagen+ powder

A powerful daily ritual for glowing skin and strong hair & nails*

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Shop nowIf you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.

Meet The Experts

Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.