FOR MANY, there can be a tendency to start surrendering to father time’s inevitable crawl once you reach the celebrated, though often maligned age of 40, at least in regard to physical health. Aging comes with challenges, and it can feel like you simply don’t have the energy, time or motor that you once had. This is not just an imagined loss. As you age, your body experiences anabolic resistance, which reduces the receptiveness of muscle tissue to protein and exercise, making it harder to build and maintain muscle.
But the age of 40 and its perceived threats needn’t herald an existential malaise. Not when there’s an easy solution just waiting for you. Collagen and whey protein powders are the solution, as they are proven to have a positive effect on muscle gain and maintenance, as well as fat loss.
This isn’t exactly groundbreaking news though. Protein powders have been around for years and their benefits are widely known. What is noteworthy, however, is the emergence of 40UP by CollagenX. The supplement stands out in a saturated market courtesy of an advanced formulation that balances muscle-building ingredients with joint and metabolic support specifically for those over 40 – of course, it also has benefits for those under 40.
The fact that Ed Kavalee is the face of 40UP might be enough to convince you that the supplement works – you need only to revisit the comedian’s 2022 Men’s Health cover to see what fitness after 40 looks like – but we needed more concrete evidence. So, I’ve been testing out 40UP for the last few weeks, and these are my honest thoughts.
The specs
40UP combines a robust line-up of ingredients with scientifically proven benefits. Each of these is chosen for a specific purpose. First there’s the headliner, whey protein, which supports both muscle growth and repair. Then there’s hydrolysed collagen, which aids in joint health and connective tissue repair. MCT Powder provides a source of fat to quickly boost energy and your metabolism. Creatine is in there too, to assist with performance during exercise. Finally, there’s all kinds of amino acids, prebiotics and micronutrients for protein synthesis, digestion, nutrient absorption and metabolic support. What more do you need?
Another aspect that makes 40UP appealing is the fact that it doesn’t use any gut disruptors in its formulation. These include gums, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers and artificial colours and flavours. At the very least, it’s best to exercise a degree of caution with these ingredients, as they have been linked to serious health risks like blood clots, heart disease and gut issues. Thankfully, 40UP doesn’t use any of them. In fact, 40UP’s collagen and prebiotic actually helps to heal the gut and maintain a healthy microbiome.
The promises
40UP positions itself as much more than a protein powder. It’s designed to have far-reaching effects across a variety of areas and unflinchingly asserts that, with daily use and regular exercise, you can begin to see noticeable results within four weeks.
So exactly what kind of results can you expect? First there’s the obvious benefit to muscle building and maintenance that comes with any protein powder. 40UP is formulated to combat anabolic resistance and the natural age-related decline to muscle mass, so it should keep you performing at a high level for the long-term.
Accelerated post-workout recovery is also a benefit, thanks to the incorporation of creatine and collagen. Enhanced fat burning is another, due to the use of MCTs and leucine. And while it’s not an area that’s limited to over 40s – although we’re sure they will appreciate it more than other demographics – 40UP’s hydrolysed collagen can also improve joint health.
The taste
When it comes to protein powders, taste can be the make-or-break factor – and most of them break it rather than make it. 40UP boasts an enjoyable vanilla flavour, which means the process of ingesting it isn’t a chore. Mixed with water or milk, the powder dissolves easily, resulting in a smooth texture with a light – but not overwhelming – sweetness.
What sets 40UP apart is its lack of artificial aftertaste – which anyone who has ever tasted a protein supplement will know is an all too common issue. But while the taste is pleasant, it is rather plain. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. We don’t all want our protein to taste like sherbet or bubble-gum, but if you’re accustomed to highly sweetened or flavoured protein powders, you might find 40UP’s profile a bit mild.
Ed Kavalee
The test
Now for the all-important test. Over the course of four weeks – precisely how long 40UP claims it will take to start noticing benefits – I integrated 40UP into my daily routine, which includes a fairly consistent exercise regimen.
In the muscle building department, 40UP performed exceptionally well. The combination of whey protein, creatine and leucine made a visible impact on my muscle definition and strength even before that minimum four-week threshold. I was able to lift heavier during resistance training sessions, while also packing on some extra muscle and dropping some fat.
Post-workout soreness was noticeably reduced. This is an area that nearly everyone stands to benefit from, but it’s especially valuable for over 40s who usually have longer recovery times. I also experienced heightened energy levels throughout the testing period. This is an area I’ve struggled with for some time, but it seemed that it was almost immediately remedied by 40UP.
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The verdict
Whether or not you’re over 40, if you’re serious about maintaining your strength, mobility and overall health, 40UP is a worthwhile investment. It’s not just a protein supplement but an all-encompassing formulation that can counteract age-related challenges, delivering results you can feel and see. With regular use, 40UP can be a game-changer for your fitness journey, giving you the boost you need to stay fit for the long run.
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