Understanding Collagen Purity: Does Native Path Collagen Have Heavy Metals?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2020 study, a significant portion of best-selling collagen supplements contained measurable levels of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium, raising consumer concerns about supplement safety. This issue brings into focus the critical question: 'Does native path collagen have heavy metals?' and what steps brands take to ensure purity.

Quick Summary

This article explores the issue of heavy metal contamination in collagen supplements, examining brand claims, the importance of third-party testing, and how consumers can verify product safety.

Key Points

Heavy Metal Risks: Collagen supplements can contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic due to environmental pollution and sourcing from animal parts.
NativePath's Claims: NativePath asserts its collagen is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle and undergoes third-party testing in cGMP facilities.
Verify Purity Independently: Due to limited FDA regulation of supplements, third-party testing by independent labs is crucial for verifying a product's safety and purity.
Check for Transparency: The most trustworthy brands provide transparent access to Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) from third-party testing, detailing heavy metal levels.
Investigate Sourcing: Responsible sourcing, like using grass-fed or wild-caught sources, minimizes the initial risk of heavy metal contamination.
Past vs. Present: While past allegations regarding NativePath exist, current practices and testing are more relevant for evaluating product safety today.

The Pervasive Issue of Heavy Metals in Collagen Supplements

Heavy metal contamination is a serious, industry-wide concern for dietary supplements, including collagen. Since collagen is derived from animal parts like bones, hides, and connective tissues, it is susceptible to absorbing contaminants from the environment. Animals raised in industrial settings, or concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), are often exposed to these metals through their feed, water, and soil, which can accumulate in their bodies over time. When these animal parts are processed for collagen, the heavy metals can be passed into the final product. Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic are the most common culprits, and even in trace amounts, their long-term accumulation can pose significant health risks, including neurological damage, kidney issues, and other chronic problems.

NativePath's Purity Claims and Sourcing Practices

NativePath, like many brands, recognizes these consumer concerns and provides specific information regarding its manufacturing and sourcing practices. According to product listings and company statements, NativePath sources its bovine collagen peptides from grass-fed and pasture-raised cattle. This sourcing method is intended to reduce the risk of contamination compared to collagen derived from factory-farmed animals. The company also states its products are manufactured in certified cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) facilities and are third-party tested. These are important assurances, as they indicate a commitment to quality control and independent verification of the final product's contents.

The Importance of Third-Party Testing and Certifications

Unlike pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements are not strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for purity and efficacy before they are sold. This regulatory gap makes third-party testing a crucial tool for consumer safety. Reputable third-party certification bodies like NSF International or ISO 17025 use rigorous analytical methods, such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), to screen for heavy metals and other contaminants. When a brand submits its products for this testing and makes the results (often via a Certificate of Analysis, or CoA) publicly available, it provides an unbiased verification of purity that goes beyond a brand's internal claims. Consumers should look for clear labeling and transparency regarding these certifications when evaluating any supplement.

Interpreting Past Allegations vs. Current Claims

It is important to address specific historical concerns regarding NativePath. Social media posts from late 2021 indicated allegations of lead contamination in NativePath products, referencing California's Proposition 65. Proposition 65 requires warnings for products containing chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm, including lead. While these past allegations point to potential issues, they do not necessarily reflect the brand's current manufacturing or testing standards. NativePath's current emphasis on third-party testing and cGMP facilities suggests that the company has taken steps to address and prevent such contamination. Informed consumers should always seek the most recent testing information to make an up-to-date assessment of product safety.

How to Vet Any Collagen Supplement for Heavy Metals

To ensure you are consuming a high-quality, clean collagen product, it is essential to be an educated consumer. Follow these steps when evaluating any supplement:

Verify Sourcing: Investigate where the company sources its raw materials. Look for details on sourcing from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals or wild-caught marine sources, as these typically indicate a lower risk of contamination.
Look for Third-Party Certifications: Seek certifications from independent bodies like NSF International, USP Verified, or ISO 17025, which signify that the product has been tested for contaminants.
Request Certificates of Analysis (CoAs): The most transparent brands will provide a CoA for their products, either directly on their website or upon request. This document details the specific lab test results for heavy metals and other contaminants.
Avoid Unnecessary Additives: Products with minimal, natural ingredients are often safer. Unnecessary fillers or artificial additives could potentially mask or contribute to contamination.

Comparison of NativePath vs. General Supplement Standards


Feature	NativePath Claims	General Best-in-Class Standards
Sourcing	Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine.	Documented sourcing from clean, regulated, humane animal or marine sources.
Heavy Metal Testing	Third-party tested for purity and heavy metals.	Regular, independent third-party lab testing with public access to Certificates of Analysis (CoAs).
Manufacturing	Produced in a certified cGMP facility in the United States.	Strict adherence to cGMPs, often with additional audits and transparent quality control measures.
Transparency	Public statements on sourcing and testing.	Proactive sharing of lab results, sourcing information, and clear certifications.

The Heavy Metals to Watch For

When reviewing a product's Certificate of Analysis or third-party testing report, be aware of these common heavy metal contaminants:

Lead (Pb): A neurotoxin that can accumulate in the body over time, causing damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system.
Arsenic (As): A known carcinogen linked to various cancers and skin conditions.
Cadmium (Cd): Harmful to the kidneys and bones, and a probable human carcinogen.
Mercury (Hg): Especially concerning in marine-sourced collagen, mercury can damage the brain and nervous system.

Conclusion

While a definitive answer to 'Does native path collagen have heavy metals?' is difficult without reviewing up-to-date, publicly available Certificates of Analysis, NativePath’s claims of sourcing from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle and utilizing third-party testing align with industry best practices. Past allegations of contamination serve as a powerful reminder of the risks associated with an unregulated supplement market. Consumers must prioritize transparency and independent verification when selecting any collagen supplement. By researching sourcing, looking for reputable third-party certifications, and demanding access to lab testing results, you can make a safe and informed choice to support your nutrition and health goals. Ultimately, the burden of verification rests with the informed consumer.

Learn more about heavy metals in fish collagen studies: Toxic metals and metalloids in collagen supplements of fish origin: Levels and risk assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Collagen is derived from animal parts like bones and hides. Animals can accumulate heavy metals from their environment through their food and water, which can then be transferred to the final supplement product if not processed carefully.

To verify the heavy metal content of NativePath, look for proof of third-party testing. Reputable brands, especially those citing Prop 65 compliance or other certifications, often provide access to their Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) on their website.

Third-party testing is when a company sends its products to an independent, accredited laboratory to be tested for quality, purity, and contaminants. This provides an unbiased verification of the product's contents.

Chronic exposure to heavy metals from contaminated supplements can lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage, kidney problems, weakened bones, digestive distress, and a suppressed immune system.

The supplement industry is not as strictly regulated by the FDA as pharmaceuticals. While manufacturing practices (cGMP) are regulated, there is no standardized federal approval process for the purity or efficacy of supplements before they are sold.

Look for certifications from reputable organizations like NSF International, USP Verified, or ISO 17025. These seals indicate that the product has been rigorously tested for heavy metals and other contaminants.

Marine collagen is also susceptible to heavy metal contamination, particularly mercury, from polluted waters. The safety depends on the sourcing of the fish and the manufacturer's testing rigor, not just the source type itself.