Collagen supplements promise big things – smoother skin, stronger nails, relief from joint pain and other perks. With so many options on the market, it can get confusing fast. That‘s why I want to share my honest take on NativePath Collagen after half a year of daily use.
What Even Is Collagen and Why Do We Need It?
Before we dive into NativePath, let‘s quickly cover why collagen matters in the first place. This protein makes up 25-30% of all protein in the human body – so it‘s kind of a big deal!
Collagen forms connective tissue throughout the body – think skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone and blood vessels. It‘s the glue that holds you together and prevents sagging. Collagen gives skin its youthful bounce, joints their flexible movement and tissues their structural integrity.
Our bodies can manufacture a decent collagen supply on their own until our late 20s. After that, collagen production drops steadily year after year. Stress, poor diet, lack of sleep and other factors quicken depletion as well.
By the time we hit 50, we‘ve lost up to 50% of our youthful collagen stores. The results clearly show in saggy skin, fine lines and wrinkles, brittle nails, stiff joints and weakened bones and muscles.
Collagen supplementation aims to counteract this steady collagen loss. The right collagen peptides trigger our fibroblasts to churn out fresh, new collagen. Recent clinical data backs this up…
Large-Scale Studies Confirm Collagen Peptide Benefits
Multiple gold-standard, placebo-controlled studies verify targeted collagen nutrition improves skin and joint markers:
Skin Hydration & Elasticity
- In a 2019 clinical trial with 114 middle-aged women, subjects taking daily collagen peptides for 8 weeks saw skin elasticity improve by 7% while the placebo group showed no major changes [1].
Nail Strength & Growth
- Researchers supplemented 25 adults with collagen peptides for 24 weeks in 2019. Their results showed over 40% faster nail growth plus 64% fewer broken nails in the collagen group versus no major improvements in the control group [2].
Joint Discomfort Relief
- Scientists conducted a placebo-controlled trial on 147 athletes with activity-related joint pain in 2021. After only 8 weeks, the collagen peptide group reported significant relief while the placebo group felt no differences [3].
I can share my own anecdotal experience too…
My Personal Results After 6 Months of NativePath Collagen
I first tried NativePath Collagen to see if it would help my creaky knees after biking and running. For years, I had stiffness climbing stairs and trouble getting up from chairs. So I went all-in on the unflavored collagen from NativePath.
Within 2 months, getting around just felt easier. Bending my knees and going upstairs wasn‘t accompanied by crunchy sounds anymore. I also suddenly noticed how much quicker my nails and hair had been growing!
My partner even complimented my skin‘s glow and firmness a few months later. I hadn‘t changed anything else in my routine except adding the daily collagen.
While my personal experience can‘t replace clinical trials, I‘m still blown away by the tangible improvements across the board. My knees might argue I shaved 5 years off just by stirring good ‘ol hydrolyzed cow tissue into my morning tea!
Anyway, on to analyzing the NativePath brand and whether they offer a quality collagen formula…
Overview of NativePath as a Company
NativePath launched in 2013 with the bold ambition to merge ancestral wellness wisdom with modern nutritional science. The California-based brand celebrates natural living through education, recipes and supplement products.
Their Product Lineup Covers:
- Collagen Support
- Probiotics & Digestion
- Beauty & Aging
- Bone & Joint Health
- Turmeric & Inflammation
NativePath really focuses on that connection between vibrant health and holistic wellness rather than isolated benefits. You get a sense their passion goes beyond just selling supplements for the sake of profits.
Both founders – Dr. Chad Walding and Chris Clarke – excel at spreading health wisdom across media channels too. They run a thriving blog plus multiple educational YouTube videos and podcast episodes helping people eat, live and feel better.
Analyzing Key Facts About NativePath Collagen
Now, as a supplement inspector and part-time private detective, I‘ve gotten quite familiar with…
checks notes
Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen Peptides.
Let‘s break down everything inside NativePath‘s popular collagen powders:
Key Collagen Types: Type I & Type III – accounts for 90%+ of collagen in the human body
Sourced From: Pasture-raised cattle hides from Brazil, Argentina and Colombia
Hydrolysis Process: Enzymes break intact collagen into absorbable collagen peptides
Added Ingredients: Monkfruit extract, Natural flavors (select varieties), Pink Himalayan sea salt (select varieties)
Sweetened With: Monkfruit and stevia
Supply Per Serving: 9-10 grams of collagen peptides
Third-Party Testing: IASSC Certified gluten-free, non-GMO, BRC-Audited
Flavors Available: Unflavored plus chocolate, peach and wild berry options
In plain speak, those collagen peptides provide targeted amino acids like glycine and proline to help stimulate your body‘s own collagen renewal process.
The clean sourcing, minimal ingredients and thorough quality testing also check the right boxes for me. No shortcuts with foreign additives or fake sugars!
Next, let‘s break down this collagen cost-effectiveness…
Comparing NativePath Collagen Value & Pricing
I always tell friends two things when buying supplements:
- You get what you pay for
- Don‘t get ripped off
It‘s a fine line! Cheaper doesn‘t mean better value if the product itself turns out poor or ineffective. But spending a premium for basic ingredients gets old too.
Here‘s how NativePath Collagen stacks up:
NativePath Pricing
- 250g (8.8 oz) – $29 ($0.12 per gram)
- 560g (19.8 oz) – $50 ($0.09 per gram)
With 10% subscribe & save discount
Compared to the Competition
- Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (300g) – $43 ($0.14 per gram)
- Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen (374g) – $50 ($0.13 per gram)
- Dose & Co Collagen Peptides (450g) – $36 ($0.08 per gram)
- Further Food Collagen Peptides (414g) – $36 ($0.09 per gram)
NativePath comes out very cost-competitive here while still ticking the boxes on grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine sourcing.
The subscription delivery makes it even more hassle-free. I just get my new pouch every 60 days without thinking!
How to Take NativePath Collagen & What To Expect
I mix a large scoop (10 grams worth) of the unflavored into coffee, smoothies or oatmeal. Even after 6 months, I barely notice it blending in! The peptides dissolve instantly with just a quick stir.
I‘d describe the taste as neutral, mildly meaty. I sometimes get hints of bone broth when I mix it into hot coffee or tea. Oddly, I kind of dig it! Adds an extra layer of richness.
Anyway, it blends smoothly without grittiness or clumping. Mixing into cold drinks works great too if you prefer icy refreshment.
As far as benefits, clinical research indicates 4-8 weeks before noticeable improvements in skin, nails and joints. Anecdotally, I felt tangible effects in my knees even sooner at just 6 weeks. By 3 months, nagging discomfort had clearly dropped while walking and exercising.
Around the 4 month mark is when my partner started complimenting my skin‘s glow and firmness. I can‘t say that‘s all from collagen alone. But adding 10 grams daily sure seems to amplify and accelerate any skin-enhancing ingredients I apply topically.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks With Long-Term Use?
I asked my doctor this very question last month during an annual physical. As an active, healthy 34 year old woman, she saw no cause for concern.
In fact, she encouraged me to continue given the high safety profile and potential joint, skin and nails benefits. She did advise anyone with food allergies to check the specific type of collagen used.
Bovine sources typically don‘t trigger reactions compared to eggs or shellfish. But personal sensitivity can always vary.
In my experience along with thousands of other consumers, NativePath bovine collagen peptides cause no harsh side effects. Some note temporary bloating, indigestion or changed stool consistency when first starting.
This adjusts within a few days once your gut adapts to the influx of collagen-derived amino acids.
Otherwise, both clinical research and anecdotal evidence report strong safety over many months and even years of daily use. Of course, consult your own physician before starting any new supplement!
Top Questions and Answers About NativePath Collagen
How long does one jar last if I take the recommended daily serving?
- The 250g jar provides 25 servings (about 1 month‘s supply)
- The 560g jar provides 56 servings (nearly 2 month‘s supply)
When during the day should I take it?
- Most experts recommend taking collagen peptides in the morning or night on an empty stomach
- I personally mix it into my morning tea then wait 30+ minutes to eat breakfast
What dose has the most benefit?
- Clinical studies use anywhere from 2.5g to 10g daily with positive results
- I take 10g per day (1 heaping scoop) and seem to get great results
Does NativePath ever go on sale?
- They run limited buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers around major holidays
- Signing up for Subscribe & Save knocks 10% off every recurring order
Can collagen "overdose" or harm you at higher doses?
- Doses up to 15-20 grams daily appear safe in research
- Stick to 5-10 grams daily unless advised otherwise by your doctor
Do the results disappear if I stop taking it?
- Skin and joint markers decline again but don‘t fully disappear
- Most maintain benefits by taking regular "maintenance" doses long-term
The Final Verdict: Is NativePath Collagen Worth Buying?
After half a year of near-daily use blended into my morning routine, I give NativePath collagen a big thumbs up!
Here‘s what I love about it:
- Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen peptides
- Straight-forward, clean ingredient list
- Smoother, more youthful-looking skin
- Rapid nail growth plus far fewer chips and cracks
- Relief from knee/joint stiffness and discomfort
- Very reasonably priced compared to competitors
- Easy subscription delivery savings
No doubt – their collagen formula packs a real punch. And the Ender‘s Game-style bovine origins story checks out from what I can tell.
For anyone seeking noticeable anti-aging skin improvements along with joint relief, NativePath tops my personal recommendation list for a no-fuss collagen supplement. Just stir it in daily and let those youth-reviving peptides work their magic!
I hope my detailed personal take helps cut through the collagen confusion. Have you tried NativePath or are still on the fence about adding it to your routine? I‘d be happy to answer any other questions down below!
