Having strong joints and vibrant skin isn’t just about working out and eating well. It’s also about giving your body the right building blocks to build and maintain those tissues.
I mean, you should be working out and eating well, too, but I’ll save that for another article.
One of the most talked-about supplements in this space is collagen. It’s known for its anti-aging benefits, joint support, and helping with hair, skin, and nail health (1, 2, 3).
It’s even been shown to help with bone strength (4). It’s a pretty versatile supplement!
I’d say it’s safe to say collagen has quickly become a staple in wellness routines across the board. A lot of people think it’s just a supplement for women, though.
Well, I’m a man and I actually take collagen for these very benefits. It’s a helpful supplement for a lot of things, so why wouldn’t I?
But if you’re already taking a daily multivitamin or other supplements, you might wonder: Can you take collagen with other vitamins?
The short answer? Yes, absolutely ... and it may even enhance your results.
Let’s break down why collagen is so beneficial and how it interacts with other vitamins. I'll also cover how to get the most from your supplement stack.
In This Article:
• What is Collagen?
• Can You Take Collagen With Other Vitamins?
• Best Vitamins and Minerals to Take With Collagen
• What To Do When Taking Collagen and Vitamins Together
• FAQ About Taking Collagen With Other Vitamins
• Should Men Take Collagen?
• Additional Collagen Info
What Is Collagen?
First off, it’s important to understand what collagen actually is and what it isn’t. Collagen is not a vitamin. It’s a structural protein that makes up a significant portion of the body’s connective tissues.
You can find it in our skin, joints, ligaments, cartilage, and even bones. In fact, it’s the most abundant protein in the human body.
Our bodies naturally produce collagen from amino acids. We get those amino acids from the protein we eat. That’s one reason why we need to eat high-protein foods every day, like meat, fish, and eggs.
However, as we age (typically starting in our mid-20s), collagen production declines. Low collagen levels over time could lead to:
• Wrinkles in skin
• Joint stiffness or discomfort
• Brittle hair and nails
• Slower recovery and healing
That’s where collagen supplements come in, and why they’re so popular nowadays. High-quality collagen supplements are easily absorbed by the body, and have been shown to (1, 3, 5, 6, 7):
• Improve skin elasticity and hydration
• Reduce joint pain and inflammation
• Strengthen hair, nails, and even support gut health
Can You Take Collagen With Other Vitamins?
The short answer is yes! I can’t think of a reason not to, actually.
Collagen is a protein supplement, not a medication. It works in harmony with other nutrients that help support collagen production.
…and there are several that do!
Combining collagen with vitamins and minerals isn’t just safe. It could enhance the effectiveness and results you get from your collagen supplement.
Best Vitamins and Minerals to Take With Collagen
Let’s look at a few pairings that are especially powerful:
Collagen + Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis (8). Without it, your body can’t effectively produce or maintain collagen.
Taking the two together is a smart move. If you are taking a collagen supplement for a specific reason, adding vitamin C will do nothing but help! Also, keep in mind that how long it takes for collagen supplements to work depends on your individual body chemistry, but combining collagen with vitamins like Vitamin C can speed up the results.
In addition to collagen production, Vitamin C helps with immunity, wound healing, and is a vital antioxidant, too.
Collagen + Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron
These minerals support everything from tissue repair to immune function. For collagen production in particular, these minerals are all involved in that process, just like vitamin C is!
In addition to collagen production, magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, and may ease stress and promote sleep.
Zinc plays a key role in wound healing and skin repair. Iron supports oxygen transport and tissue regeneration.
Collagen + Multivitamins
Multivitamins typically contain all sorts of nutrients. That may or may not include the ones I already mentioned above.
They should have your B-complex vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and plenty of minerals. If your multivitamin has copper in it, that can help with collagen production too (9)!
You see, nutrients generally aren’t responsible for only one thing in our bodies. They work together to perform the millions of different processes we carry out on a daily basis.
Producing collagen internally is one of those processes. That process requires lots of other nutrients inside our bodies, too.
So, can you take collagen with other vitamins? Absolutely, and if anything, it’s only going to benefit you more!
What To Do When Taking Collagen and Vitamins Together
Want to get the most out of your collagen and vitamin supplements? Here are some smart strategies:
Take Them at the Same Time
The biggest thing, really, is consistency. If you forget to take them, you can’t get the benefits of them.
Taking your multivitamin and collagen at the same time could help you stick to a routine. It might make it easier to always remember to take them.
Plus, many of these nutrients can be synergistic. Taking them together certainly won’t harm anything. It might even be a good thing to absorb them at the same time.
Pro Tip: Collagen powder is super easy to mix into coffee or protein shakes. If you already drink those things in the morning, try taking your multivitamin at the same time.
Sounds like an easy morning routine to me!
Choose High-Quality Supplements
Not all supplements are created equal, and collagen supplements are no different. When looking at different collagen supplements on the market, be sure to look for:
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides for easier absorption.
More than one source of collagen for a more well-rounded amino acid profile.
Different collagen sources contain different types of collagen. In case you didn’t know this, there are 28 different types of collagen!
Different types of collagen can help with different things in the body. For instance, here are 5 important types of collagen:
Type I Collagen - Found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It provides strength and structure to these tissues.
Type II Collagen - Primarily found in cartilage. It supports joint flexibility and cushioning.
Type III Collagen - Found in internal organs, blood vessels, and skin. This type works with Type I for skin elasticity and tissue repair.
Type V Collagen - Found in the cornea, muscle, liver, lungs, and the placenta. It works with other collagen types to help form their fibers properly.
Type X Collagen - Found in joint cartilage, growth plates, and lumbar discs. This collagen type aids in bone growth and healing injuries to bones and cartilage.
If you’re looking for a collagen powder with maximum benefits, make sure it has these in there. If it’s also hydrolyzed, or broken down into smaller peptides, you’ll absorb it better, too!
Just like with any product in any industry, you generally get what you pay for.
FAQ About Taking Collagen With Other Vitamins
Q: What vitamins should I avoid taking with collagen?
A: There are none! There are no known negative interactions collagen has with any vitamins or minerals.
Q: Can you take collagen with a multivitamin at night?
A: Absolutely! You can take collagen and your multivitamin whenever it is convenient for you. One thing I do suggest is to have some dietary fat with them as well. This is to better help you absorb your fat-soluble vitamins, not for collagen’s sake.
Q: Should I take collagen and multivitamins on an empty stomach?
A: For collagen, you can take it with or without a meal. Multivitamins are different, though. If your multivitamin contains vitamins A, D, E, or K, then you’d want to take it with some dietary fat too. Those vitamins are fat-soluble, so the fat will help you absorb them.
Should Men Take Collagen?
Absolutely! Collagen isn’t just for women. It’s a vital supplement for everyone, especially active individuals. We all have the same types of collagen in our bodies, and we all can benefit from having more.
…and as I already stated, I take it regularly myself.
Men may even benefit more due to:
• Greater muscle mass and joint strain from intense workouts or physical jobs. Yes, collagen is in our muscles too.
• Higher body weight, which means more tissue for collagen to be in.
Collagen is generally well-tolerated, too. Whether it's to improve recovery, for joint health, or for your skin health, collagen can help.
Additional Collagen Information
So, can you take collagen with other vitamins? Yes, and you probably should.
Taking collagen alongside a multivitamin can maximize its effectiveness. It can ensure your body has everything it needs to produce collagen effectively.
Think of collagen like hardwood floors in your house. Over time, they get broken down, scratched up, and pieces will need to be replaced.
You can always buy more hardwood, just like you can take collagen, but that’s not all you’ll need. You’ll also need some tools like a flooring nailer and nails.
To our bodies, these vitamins and minerals are the tools we need to lay down new collagen. This is just like those materials and tools that are needed to replace your floor.
If you want the best results, go with a high-quality product designed to give you the most benefits. You could get by with a cheaper product, like you could buy cheap flooring if you so choose.
It may not give you everything you’re hoping for in the long run, though.
If you want my recommendation, check out 1st Phorm’s Collagen with Dermaval. It’s packed with a diverse amino acid profile from 5 types of collagen. Also, the Dermaval is a big help!
It’s a superfood antioxidant blend that helps maintain your elastin levels. Elastin handles the elasticity in different tissues. Some of these are in your skin, lungs, blood vessels, and joints.
Think of it like this. If your skin maintains its elasticity longer, wrinkles may take longer to develop. To me, that makes it all the more worth it.
Collagen with Dermaval is also available in a naturally sweetened version, too. So, If you're someone who prefers that, just know that's an option as well.
If you have any questions in the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out. We have a full team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Nutrition Coaches right here in St. Louis, Missouri.
Just give us a call at 1-800-409-9732 or send us an email at CustomerService@1stPhorm.com any day from 6 AM to 10 PM Central. We'll be more than happy to help any way we can!
References:
(1) Pappelbaum KI, et al. Revealing novel insights on how oral supplementation with collagen peptides may prevent hair loss: Lessons from the human hair follicle organ culture. Journal of Functional Foods. 2024;116:106124.
(2) Pu SY, et al. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2080.
(3) Martínez-Puig D, et al. Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge. Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1332.
(4) König D, et al. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018;10(1):97.
(5) Al-Atif H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022;12(1):e2022018.
(6) Hexsel D, et al. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(4):520-526.
(7) Chen Q, et al. Collagen peptides ameliorate intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in immunostimulatory Caco-2 cell monolayers via enhancing tight junctions. Food Funct. 2017;8(3):1144-1151.
(8) DePhillipo NN, et al. Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2018;6(10):2325967118804544.
(9) Harris ED, et al. Copper and the synthesis of elastin and collagen. Ciba Found Symp. 1980;79:163-82.
