Towards the end of last year, I sent an email to the VH Addicts telling them that we would be launching a new product early in 2025, except I didn’t tell them what the product was, but they knew something special was on its way because I wrote that this product would change everything, once again. A statement of magnitude perhaps, but a statement of intent because everything is about to change as we launch DoSe Collagen Tripeptide Complex, a formulation based upon extensive research, clinical evaluation and the scientific evidence required to support this evolutionary advancement.

The collagen market is complex, but more than being complex it is hyped right up to the top of the hill and back down again, all of which leads to consumer confusion, essentially because there are any number of collagen supplements currently available on the market including collagen peptides, marine collagen, hydrolysed collagen, fish collagen and bovine collagen. Additionally, there are differing delivery systems including collagen powders, capsules and tablets, together with some wild pricing strategies, so it has been almost impossible to ascertain if there is a definitive type and form of collagen, not least because of some rather dubious marketing strategies.

I have always stated that we will only ever launch a new product with the DoSe branding if it honestly makes a difference and if it blows everything else out of the water, so as I introduce you to DoSe Collagen Tripeptide Complex, this really does blow all other collagen formulations out of the water because a study performed at the College of Pharmacy in Gyeongsang National University reported that collagen tripeptides are six times more available than collagen peptides. Historically, hydrolysed marine collagen, also known as collagen peptides, has been considered to be the best form of collagen, but Collagen Tripeptides (CTPs) supersedes hydrolysed marine collagen and every other type of collagen.

Let’s take a look. Collagen accounts for 30% of the protein content in the body and is found mostly in skin, joints, bones, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels, meaning that our organs cannot function if our collagen levels are low. This is where it becomes somewhat scientific, and rather than walk you through the significant role of amino acids, molecular weights and Daltons (atomic mass units) in collagen tripeptides, I will refer you to Shabir’s article, linked below where he explains how critically important this is for bioavailability, and of course bioavailability is key to efficacy.

We are all aware that our collagen levels deplete with age, that is a given, and on the subject of bioavailability, collagen tripeptides are very small in size and unlike hydrolysed collagen powders containing collagen peptides, they do not require further digestion so they can be absorbed directly from the intestines into the bloodstream. The dosage also varies because hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides require minimum doses of 5-10 grams per day at the very least to deliver some collagen peptides, but they are not absorbed as efficiently as CTPs, and a dose of one to two grams of CTPs is equivalent to 6.5 grams to 13 grams of collagen peptides.

I am going to reference another study here, because I can and because I did a ritualistic dance of happiness when I read this. According to studies performed at Kyung Hee University Skin Biotechnology Centre, oral ingesting of Collagen Tripeptides significantly inhibited skin wrinkle formation induced by UV-B radiation by inhibiting MMP-1 synthesis in comparison to collagen peptides. MMP-1 synthesis is a major marker for skin wrinkles caused by UV radiation and for skin inflammation, which does of course lead to ageing skin, and the icing on the cake, as it were, is that Ergothioneine Serum also inhibits MMP-1, which is the collagen destructing enzyme.

Throughout the years I have often written about the need to change supplementation when any given supplement has been superseded by evolutionary research and that is most definitely the case here. So, as I move you all over to Collagen Tripeptide Complex, it should also be noted that it is often recommended that we should take supplements with Collagen Types 1 and 3 for skin, hair and bones, and Type 2 Collagen for joints, however with CTPs there is no need to take two different collagen supplements as studies indicate that CTPs are incorporated into bones, joints, skin and hair, with no side effects whatsoever.

Let me wrap this by saying that the price of Collagen Tripeptide Complex is £45, but I am dropping that to £40 for launch, and as I do so it perhaps demonstrates that high-priced supplementation, and I’m talking violently expensive here, does not equate to efficacy. It never has, and it never will and I’m sick and tired of brands assuming that they have the right to dupe consumers, because they do not and I can see straight the way through them. Doesn’t bode well for transparency from the health and beauty industry. Who cares.
VH Editorial: Does Your Collagen Supplement Contain Collagen Tripeptides; DoSe Collagen Tripeptide Complex £40 for 90 Capsules (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 16 February)

I’m not quite finished, because I know I have written several thousand words about the efficacy of Ergothioneine Serum, but I’m not about to stop because inhibiting MMP-1, as referenced above, is so incredibly important for the health of our skin. I really should have given Ergothioneine Serum an award at the end of last year, but I didn’t want to self-award because it’s not a good look really, so let’s pretend Ergothioneine Serum is an award-winning product. And because all things should be celebrated and it partners rather magnificently with Collagen Tripeptide Complex, I am dropping the price from £26 to £22 across the weekend, with a smile on my face.
VH Editorial: Ergothioneine Serum And Its Benefits For Skin; DoSe Ergothioneine Serum £22 for 30 ml (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 16 February)

With that said and done, we are changing focus as we take a look at gut health, but most specifically the factors which compromise our gut health, and there are several. The health of our gut is dependent upon the balance between the beneficial bacteria and the pathogens that reside within the gut, as well as the permeability of the lining of the intestinal tract. When these beneficial bacteria are at reduced levels, or the lining of the gut is inflamed, our bodies are at risk from gastrointestinal concerns and disease.

So the factors, and of course stress is a major factor because stress causes the release of the inflammatory hormone cortisol and here inflammation prevents the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the gut, which are required for the optimum function of our bodies. Other factors include the use of antibiotics, which are known to destroy bacteria in the gut, both beneficial bacteria and pathogens, and diets which are rich in refined and hidden sugars, which feed the pathogens. It should also be noted that processed foods can alter the flora within the gut, so a balanced diet is preferable.

With that established, research into probiotics is ongoing and I have previously written about how specific probiotics play a role in low mood and oral hygiene, but for the purposes of this discussion Mega Probio remains our bestselling probiotic and it provides eight strains of acid resistant bacteria that can colonise the gut for the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. It is a dairy-free formulation, which is important because many people with a compromised gut are intolerant to lactose in dairy products, so with further information linked below in Shabir’s article, I am dropping the price of Mega Probio from £25 to £22, also across the weekend.
VH Editorial: Factors Which Compromise Your Gut Health; Mega Probio £22 for 60 Capsules (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 16 February)

Notwithstanding my comments recently about a lack of libido and Fulvic Elixir, I have a new supplement to tell you about and that supplement is ‘Sexual Health For Her’, which has been specifically formulated to help support women’s healthy libido. The formulation contains two standardised extracts, Fenugreek (300 mg) and Saffron (15 mg), both of which have been clinically researched to promote female sexual function, lubrication and arousal for women to enhance their sexual wellness addressing age-related changes, stress or hormonal imbalances. As I drop the price from £40 to £36, please note that this is not an overnight fix and results can take several weeks.
Sexual Health For Her by Life Extension £36 for 60 Capsules; Fulvic Elixir £30 for 480 ml

Taking a more in-depth look at Saffron, it is a spice which is sourced from the rich orange stigma of the Crocus Sativus L. flower, part of the Iris flower family. It is largely cultivated in the Middle East, harvested by hand and it is one of the world’s most expensive spices. Saffron is made up of three carotenoid compounds, Safranal, Picrocrocin and Crocin and to differentiate, Crocin is the chemical primarily responsible for the colour of Saffron, Safranal possesses high antioxidant levels and Picrocrocin gives Saffron its distinctive taste.

Saffron extract has been clinically researched to support mood and emotional balance, alongside other studies on its far-reaching health benefits, including sexual wellness which I have referenced above. And having referenced Sexual Health For Her to address libido, I am referencing Viridian’s Saffron Extract here for emotional balance and mood elevation. Clinical research and trials are ongoing, but there is sufficient researched evidence to support the important role Saffron can play in our health and wellbeing and in recognition of its important role, I am dropping the price of Saffron Extract from £36.70 to £33 across the weekend.
Saffron Extract by Viridian Nutrition £33 for 60 Capsules

Moving on, I want to talk about Castor Oil, mostly because I haven’t written about it for the longest time, but also because Castor Oil is having a moment on social media platforms where videos about naval pulling have gone viral. The practice of applying Castor Oil to the belly button is a traditional remedy, rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, founded upon a belief that it can help improve digestion, treat constipation and increase metabolism.

Naval pulling is derived from the Ayurvedic traditional medicine practice called ‘nabhi chikitsa’, a therapeutic approach to restoring health through the ‘nabhi’ (naval), which is considered an important ‘marma’, a vital energy point. The skin around the belly button is thinner compared to other areas of the body, allowing for easier penetration of oils into the underlying tissues, but additionally the navel is connected to various internal organs via numerous veins, so it is believed that applying Castor Oil here could have systemic effects throughout the body.

Castor Oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid which constitutes about 90% of the oil and this fatty acid is responsible for many of the oil’s therapeutic properties. Additionally Castor Oil also includes oleic acid and linoleic acid, which are beneficial for nourishing our skin, but it also plays a safe role in helping to promote brow and lash growth, so it’s a bit of a super-hero really and here we recommend Dr Organic’s 100% Pure Castor Oil because it’s a pure cold-pressed organic Castor Oil, which allows the retention of nutrients for optimal performance. And that matters.
100% Pure Castor Oil by Dr Organic £7.49 for 250 ml (drops from £9.99, for the interim)

On a roll and I have three new gift sets from Neom to tell you about and let’s begin with their Good Calm De-Stress Trio which includes the Real Luxury Travel Candle (75 grams), Real Luxury Magnesium Bath Milk ( 50 ml) and the wonderful Calming Pen (12 ml), which is an aromatherapy rollerball with natural essential oils, including Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Orange. Providing soothing, calming and uplifting benefits, the Good Calm De-Stress Trio has a value of £52, but saving £10 this gift set becomes £42. And somehow it feels like Christmas in February.
Good Calm De-Stress Trio by Neom Wellbeing £42

The Feel Good Mood Boost Duo is next and this includes the uplifting Happiness Scented Candle (75 grams) and Great Day Magnesium Body Butter (30 ml) and with a value of £31, this now becomes £25. And finally, Oh Mg! Better Sleep Duo offers an invitation to unwind before sleep and includes Perfect Night’s Sleep Magnesium Bath Milk (50 ml) and Perfect Night’s Sleep Magnesium Body Butter (30 ml). This has a value of £23, but becomes £20 and another bravo, this time to Neom who consistently deliver on promise. They always have.
Feel Good Mood Boost Duo by Neom Wellbeing £25; Oh Mg! Better Sleep Duo by Neom Wellbeing £20

Delivering on promise has always been so incredibly important, it is a core value and although I always caveat my words by saying that not every product will work for everybody, I am pretty sure that most of you appreciate the efficacy of the Margaret Dabbs products, so the Saturday only treat looks like this. If you spend £35 or more, excluding p&p, we will automatically send you the Super Shiner Buffer*, which is a stand-out buffer composed of tiny crystals to help you get shiny, glossy nails. Product details below.
Super Shiny Buffer (offer ends at midnight GMT, Saturday 15 February)

Some final words. In his book, The Power Of Now, Eckhart Tolle stated the following: ‘St. Paul expressed this universal principle beautifully: Everything is shown up by being exposed to the light, and whatever is exposed to the light itself becomes light’. And because that is our guiding principle, as I was writing the words about the collagen market being hyped right up to the top of the hill and back down again, I paused to listen to the words of a song, as if triggered, or guided perhaps. Profound relativity.
Fool On The Hill by The Beatles; The VH Playlist

With love

Gill x