Formulated around the evidence, not the marketing
We built Core backwards from the published research on each ingredient, matched the doses the studies used where we could, and put every number on the front of the pouch. No proprietary blends, no vague promises, no pixie dust doses.
The doses research actually uses
Most collagen products for men are under-dosed, over-flavoured or padded out. Core is formulated around what the studies used, then manufactured and tested in the UK.
8.5g of collagen protein. Not 2g. Not 3g.1
Research on collagen peptides in men used daily doses well above what most powders give you. Core delivers 8.5g of collagen protein per scoop, from 9.4g of hydrolysed bovine peptides, paired with vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation for skin, cartilage and bones.
The full 5g of creatine monohydrate, every day.2
Creatine is the most studied performance supplement in sport. Taken daily at 3g or more it increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise. Core gives you 5g, so you can stop buying it separately.
The four micronutrients men quietly run short on.3
Magnesium for normal muscle function and less fatigue. Zinc for the maintenance of normal testosterone levels and normal skin, hair and nails. Vitamin C for normal collagen formation. Vitamin B6 for normal energy-yielding metabolism.
Under-dosed supplements do nothing except cost money.
A pretty label with 2g of collagen and a pinch of creatine is cheap to make and easy to sell. It is also pointless. We formulated Core backwards from the research, then put every dose on the front of the pouch so you can check for yourself.
1. Zdzieblik D, et al. Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 2015. 2. Kreider RB, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the ISSN, 2017. 3. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, authorised health claims for creatine, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6, as retained in Great Britain.
What the research says, ingredient by ingredient
We do not run our own trials on the finished formula yet, and we will not pretend otherwise. What we did is formulate around the published research on each ingredient and match the doses used. Here is the evidence.
Collagen peptides plus resistance training improved strength and body composition in men.1
A 12-week randomised controlled trial in 53 men combined daily collagen peptides with three weekly resistance sessions. The collagen group gained more fat-free mass and strength than training alone.
Collagen protein per daily dose
Your body makes less collagen as you get older. Collagen is a protein, and protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Vitamin C, included in every scoop, contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones.
Creatine monohydrate is the most effective supplement available for increasing high intensity exercise capacity and lean mass during training.2
The International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand reviews hundreds of studies. 3 to 5g a day is the maintenance dose used across the research, and the authorised UK health claim applies at 3g a day.
Creatine per daily dose
Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise. Most men who train buy it separately. Core includes the full dose so it is one less thing to remember.
Vitamin C taken with collagen before exercise increased markers of collagen synthesis.4
In a crossover trial, gelatin with vitamin C taken an hour before intermittent exercise doubled a blood marker of collagen synthesis compared with placebo. Core pairs 90mg of vitamin C with every scoop of collagen.
Vitamin C per daily dose
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, gums and teeth. Collagen without vitamin C is only half the job.
The three minerals and vitamins that active men most often run short on, at meaningful doses.3
Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood and to normal protein synthesis. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the regulation of hormonal activity.
Percentage of nutrient reference value per scoop
These are authorised UK and EU health claims, which means the evidence has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority. We chose the forms (zinc bisglycinate, dimagnesium malate) for absorption and tolerance.
1. Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Baumstark MW, Gollhofer A, König D. Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015;114(8):1237-1245.
2. Kreider RB, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2017;14:18.
3. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, as retained in Great Britain. Great Britain nutrition and health claims register.
4. Shaw G, Lee-Barthel A, Ross ML, Wang B, Baar K. Vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2017;105(1):136-143.
Independently certified. For your peace of mind.
From formulation to sourcing, manufacturing and testing, every scoop of Core is backed by the same standards used by the biggest names in the industry.
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety, Grade AA
Our manufacturer in Kent holds the highest grade under the BRCGS standard, audited by NSF. Certificate C0835449-BRC2.
GMP certified
Good Manufacturing Practice covers every step from raw material intake to pouch sealing, with 100% metal detection.
Batch tested
Every batch is tested for microbiological safety and released with a certificate of analysis before it leaves the factory.
Registered food business
Core for Men is registered with Leeds City Council as a food business operator, and every pouch carries a batch number for full traceability.
Straight answers
Everything men ask us before their first pouch. If your question is not here, message us and a real person will reply.
Why would a man take collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is found in skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone, and from our thirties the body makes less of it. Core for Men gives you 8.5g of hydrolysed collagen protein a day, paired with vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, cartilage and bones. Protein also contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, which is why it sits alongside the creatine rather than instead of it.
What does it taste like?
Nothing. Core is unflavoured and unsweetened, with no artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners. It dissolves in hot or cold drinks. Most men stir it into their morning coffee and cannot tell it is there. It also works in tea, a protein shake, porridge or yoghurt.
When should I take it and how?
One 15g scoop a day, at whatever time you will actually remember it. For most men that is the morning coffee. Stir it into a hot drink for the cleanest mix, or add it to a shaker with cold water or a shake. Consistency matters far more than timing, so pick a moment and stick to it.
Do I need to load creatine?
No. Loading phases are optional. The beneficial effect of creatine is obtained with a daily intake of 3g, and Core gives you 5g in every scoop. Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise, and that effect builds with daily use. Take your scoop each day and keep going.
How long until I notice anything?
Do not expect anything dramatic in week one. Creatine takes a few weeks of daily use to reach its full effect, and collagen and the essentials work over months rather than days. Many of the men who write to us say training starts to feel a little easier from around week four. Give it a full pouch. If it is not for you, the 60-day money-back guarantee has you covered. Individual experiences vary.
Is the subscription locked in?
No. No minimum term. Reminder email before every order. Skip, pause or cancel in your account. Deliveries arrive every 4 weeks and you save on every pouch for as long as you stay subscribed. You are in control from your account, in two clicks.
What is the guarantee?
Every first pouch comes with our 60-day money-back guarantee. Use the whole first pouch. If it is not for you, email us within 60 days and we refund you. Nothing to send back.
Who should not take it?
Core is a food supplement for adults. It is not suitable for anyone under 18, or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have a medical condition or take medication, consult your doctor before use. It contains bovine collagen, so it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the stated daily dose.
Get started with Core for Men today
| Core for Men (30 servings)£0.90 per scoop on subscription | £32.00 |
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| 15% off every deliveryEvery 4 weeks. Skip, pause or cancel any time. | |
| 25% off your first orderCode CORE25 at checkout, new customers | 25% off |
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