From Molecule to Effect:
Why Dalton Matters in Collagen
Collagen peptides with a molecular size of 2 kDa (2000 Daltons) are considered highly bioavailable – ideal for dietary supplements with effective results.
Why?
- Collagen in its natural form (e.g., in connective tissue) is very large — around 300 kDa (300,000 Daltons) — and not well bioavailable.
- Hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides are enzymatically broken down into smaller fragments to improve absorption in the intestine.
- Studies show that collagen peptides with a size of 1–5 kDa are optimally absorbed by the body – so 2 kDa falls ideally within this range.
Benefits of 2 kDa Collagen Peptides:
- Good absorption in the small intestine
- Rapid transport into the bloodstream
- Targeted effects, e.g., on skin, joints, and bones
- Less risk of allergic reactions or digestive problems
Conclusion:
2 kDa is a very suitable value for collagen peptides for oral ingestion.
However, also pay attention to the quality, peptide structure, origin, additives and clinical studies on the product.
Smaller molecular weights, such as 1 kDa, are not necessarily better for use in dietary supplements.
but are rather more suitable for cosmetics.
Why is it not ‘the smaller, the better’?
- Although very small peptides (<1 kDa) can be absorbed quickly, they often contain fewer bioactive sequences that are important for signaling in the body (e.g. to stimulate collagen formation in the skin or joints).
- Peptides around 2 kDa are still well absorbed but often exhibit stronger biological activity — providing greater “nutritional value” for skin, cartilage, and other tissues.
Conclusion:
- 1 kDa can be beneficial, but 2 kDa often offers a more balanced ratio between absorption and effectiveness.
- What matters is not only the Dalton size but also
- the type of collagen (type I, II, III),
- the source
- the peptide structure
- and whether clinical studies on efficacy are available
What is a Dalton?
- Dalton (Da) is a unit of measurement for molecular mass.
- 1 Dalton corresponds approximately to the mass of a hydrogen atom (about 1 g/mol).
- For proteins or peptides (such as collagen), the mass is often given in kilodaltons (kDa), where 1 kDa = 1000 Da.
- Collagen is a structural protein composed of long chains of amino acids. In its natural state, it is very large—about 300 kDa per triple-helix molecule.
High Collagen – High-quality collagen, maximum bioavailability thanks to fine peptide structure with 2 kDa (2000 Dalton)
High-dose and high-quality collagen peptides
for beautiful skin, hair & nails, strong connective tissue,
as well as healthy joints, tendons & bones.
