What Even Are Daltons?
When it comes to what we choose to put in our bodies, it’s important to stay informed. A recurring theme you’ll see shopping the collagen market is wording like “Dalton”, “Da”, or “low molecular weight”. Let’s look at what that means, why it makes a difference, and what will serve you best in supplementation.
What’s a Dalton?
A Dalton (abbreviated as “Da”) is a unit of mass used at the molecular scale, here referring to the weight and size of the collagen peptide. Each amino acid in the peptide chain has a characteristic mass, and by summing up the masses of all atoms in the molecule, we can form the molecular mass.
Why do Daltons matter in collagen supplementation?
When collagen is consumed in supplements, the size of the collagen peptides, measured by their molecular weight in daltons, refers to their bioavailability. This essentially assists us in understanding how consumable the protein is to the body.
In terms of digestion, native collagen molecules themselves are enormous, at approximately 300,000Da, and are not directly absorbable. Through hydrolysis, collagen is broken down into peptides of varying sizes. With smaller peptides being able to pass through the lining of the small intestine and enter circulation more easily, we can deduce that the smaller the Dalton, the faster the path to tissues like skin, joint, and muscle. This also means less work for the body, as you aren’t spending time further organising the protein to a usable state.
As an addition to a higher potency, by allowing more protein to be absorbed, peptides with lower molecular weight tend to dissolve more readily, which provides a practical advantage of solubility for powdered supplementation. This is what helps remove the taste, grit, and other issues of ‘clunkier’ supplements.
A recent integrative review of collagen peptide supplementation, published by Nutrients, 2024, found that peptides in the lower Dalton range (2,000–3,500 Da) showed superior bioavailability and absorption, providing benefit for muscle and connective tissue health.
As studied by Food Science and Human Wellness, 2021, we learn that a Dalton weight of under 3000 is most beneficial for anti-photoaging properties, focusing on support relating to UV damage. In these findings, the lower Dalton weight collagens had more success reaching plasma and targeting organs.
Our Daltons
At only 500 Daltons, The Fountain Of Youth Lifestyle™ has developed a tripeptide collagen supplement that provides 100% absorption in 120 minutes. That means smaller doses, and real benefits. Each package provides dosage options for both a fast track path and maintenance lifestyle, allowing you to get the most out of your supplement. Tripeptide collagen measuring 500 Daltons is now being studied to show far more benefits for the body, beyond its existing reputation in the world of beauty and skincare. With zero additives, and a focus on potency, the priority at Fountain Of Youth Lifestyle is a product that will take you further on your wellness journey.
