Ambassador Disclosure: Ed Drost is a compensated THREE International Brand Ambassador. This site contains affiliate links. All research is his own. Not evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Ambassador Research Series · Ed Drost

The Science of
Cellular Absorption:
What Actually Reaches
Your Cells

At 67, after 35 years as a professional appraiser — a career that demands precision and primary-source verification — I approach health claims the same way I approach a valuation dispute. I go to the data. Here is everything I found about THREE International's cellular delivery technology, their clinical studies, and all 8 products in their line.

I'm Ed Drost — Maryland State Certified Residential Appraiser (#30004874), AI authority coach, and THREE International Brand Ambassador in Parkton, MD. Not a doctor or nutritionist. A professional who does his homework and discloses his compensation. Every claim on this page is linked to its source.

THREE International Brand Ambassador logo

Ed Drost

THREE International · Brand Ambassador
Parkton, Maryland · Age 67

35+ years professional appraisal. AI coaching for professionals 45+. I spent 6 months personally testing THREE products and reviewing their clinical data before agreeing to become an ambassador. The absorption science is real — here's exactly what the studies show.

Full Disclosure: I receive compensation as a THREE Brand Ambassador and commissions on qualifying sales. This does not change my commitment to accuracy. I cite every source so you can verify independently.

THREE International Clinical Research

Two Proprietary Studies Worth Reading

THREE commissioned two independent studies — a Caco-2 cellular absorption assay and an epigenetic gene expression study — that are publicly available and linked below. Here is what they actually found.

9.5×
Éternel vs. Standard
Organic Molecule
8.8×
Purifí Absorption
vs. Control
840%
Vitalité BDNF Gene
Upregulation
1250%
Éternel IL-6
Downregulation

Study 1: Caco-2 Cellular Absorption Assay

Conducted by Dr. Brett Stephens, Ph.D. (Wasatch Scientific) and Dr. Dan Gubler, Ph.D. (THREE). The Caco-2 assay uses human intestinal epithelial cells to measure what percentage of a substance actually crosses the cellular membrane. Control: curcumin at 10% — a standard organic molecule with no delivery technology.

Compare each product to the curcumin control — not between products. Revíve at 30% is still 3× more bioavailable than the standard organic molecule baseline.

↗ Read the Full Absorption Study (PDF)

Study 2: Epigenetic Gene Expression Study

Conducted by Paul Davis, Ph.D. & Catherine Davis, Ph.D. (Trinity Bioactives Ltd) with Dr. Dan Gubler. Used THLE-2 human liver cells and qRT-PCR gene expression analysis to measure whether THREE products modulate health-relevant genes. Four products tested: Vitalité, Revíve, Éternel, Collagène.

bdnf
Brain health · Cognitive function
Vitalité+840%
Collagène+570%
Revíve+430%
il-6
Inflammation marker · Suppress = good
Éternel−1250%
Revíve−123%
Vitalité−112%
glp-1
Blood sugar · Metabolic health
Vitalité+348%
Revíve+293%
nfkb
Inflammatory status · Suppress = good
Éternel−345%
Revíve−200%
Vitalité−172%
ppara
ATP energy production
Revíve+384%
Éternel+380%
nrf1 / sirt1
Energy · Longevity pathway
Revíve nrf1+229%
Revíve sirt1+164%

These are in-vitro (cell culture) results. Directionally meaningful but do not guarantee identical outcomes in human subjects.

↗ Read the Full Epigenetic Study (PDF)

All 8 Products · Honest Ambassador Assessments

The Complete THREE International Line

Each product includes actual ingredients from THREE's official fact sheets, clinical study data where available, and my personal take after 6+ months of use. Purchase links go through my ambassador account.

Vitalité Superfood Blend and Multivitamin Complex by THREE International
Superfood Blend + Multivitamin Complex
Vitalité
4 capsules + 1 Omega-3 softgel · Daily foundation · 30-day supply
The foundational daily product. Vitalité recorded the highest single result in THREE's epigenetic study: 840% upregulation of BDNF — the gene associated with brain health, memory, and cognitive resilience. It also led on GLP-1 gene support at 348%.
  • Superfood BlendChlorophyll-rich; binds to toxins, supports elimination.
  • Natural Vitamins & MineralsNaturally-derived; superior absorption over synthetic counterparts.
  • 72 Trace Minerals + AminosActivate enzymes; provide protein building blocks.
  • Enzyme BlendBreaks down molecules for increased cellular absorption.
  • Probiotics (100M CFU)3 strains supporting gut microbiome — the body's second brain.
  • Berry Blend (10 berries)Phytonutrients that support healthy gene expression.
  • Omega-3 Complex SoftgelSame profile as fresh salmon fillet. Heart, brain, joint, eye support.
44% Cellular absorption · 4.4× vs control
Epigenetic Study Results
bdnf (brain/cognition)+840%
glp-1 (blood sugar)+348%
nrf1 (energy)+224%
ppara (ATP)+216%
nfkb (inflammatory)−172%

BDNF supports neuroplasticity, memory, and cognitive resilience. Polyphenol-rich formulations have shown BDNF upregulation in multiple in-vitro and animal studies.

Rendeiro et al. (2015) Brit J Nutrition. Spencer et al. (2012) Genes & Nutrition.
Ed's Take · 8 months daily use

"Vitalité is where I tell anyone new to THREE to start. The BDNF number genuinely surprised me — cognitive performance is non-negotiable at 67, and this is the only supplement I've found with in-vitro data directly on that gene."

GLP THREE weight management dropper bottle by THREE International
Weight Management · Patent-Pending
GLP THREE™
Liquid dropper · ¾ dropper (0.83ml) · 30 min before meals · ~12 servings/bottle
THREE's most scientifically sophisticated product, built around MBC-267™ — 267 naturally-occurring peptides from Norwegian salmon protein hydrolysate and mushrooms that bind to the GLP-1 receptor. Patent-pending, exclusive to THREE, and listed in the Prescribers' Digital Reference (PDR).
  • MBC-267™ (320mg)267 peptides from salmon hydrolysate + mushroom glycolipids. Binds GLP-1 receptor. Patent-pending. PDR-listed.
  • Panax Ginseng ExtractGinsenosides stimulate GLP-1 secretion (Liu et al., 2013; Wang et al., 2025).
  • Saffron ExtractCrocetin: dual GPR40/GPR120 agonist enhancing GLP-1 secretion (Zhao et al., 2023).
  • Humulus Lupulus (Hops)Bitter acids activate TAS2R gut receptors to stimulate GLP-1 (Barrea et al., 2019).
The GLP-1 Science Context

Salmon protein hydrolysate peptides demonstrated a 42% increase in glucose uptake in muscle cells and decreased hepatic glucose production in peer-reviewed studies.

Henaux et al. (2019) Int J Mol Sci. Chevrier et al. (2015) J Nutrition.

GLP-1 receptor agonists have peer-reviewed evidence for reducing BMI, blood glucose, HbA1c, and sleep apnea severity in meta-analyses.

Li et al. (2025) Sleep. Siriyotha et al. (2024) BMJ Open.

Saffron's crocetin was identified as a GPR40/GPR120 dual agonist — supporting insulin and GLP-1 secretion — for the first time in 2023.

Zhao et al. (2023) Nutrients. Wang et al. (2025) J Asian Nat Prod Res.
Ed's Take

"GLP THREE has the deepest independent science bibliography of any THREE product. The salmon peptide research is real, the GLP-1 pathway has more clinical evidence than almost any area in metabolic medicine, and the PDR listing adds professional credibility. Start here if weight management is your priority."

Kynetik Cherry Rush clean energy drink mix by THREE International — vibrant gradient box and stick packet
Clean Energy + Hydration Drink Mix
Kynetik
30 packets · Cherry Rush · 200mg natural caffeine · Max 2/day · Vegan · Non-GMO
Built around Yerba Santa — a Mojave Desert plant whose molecules combat adrenal fatigue and smooth caffeine's effects. The only energy drink ingredient targeting burnout prevention while delivering sustained energy. No taurine, no sucralose, no aspartame.
  • Yerba SantaMojave Desert plant. Combats adrenal fatigue and smooths caffeine. Exclusive to Kynetik.
  • Green Tea Caffeine (200mg)Clean, natural — equivalent to 2 cups of coffee. No synthetic stimulants.
  • L-TheaninePromotes calm focus and balances caffeine without jitters.
  • Rosavins (Rhodiola rosea)Adaptogen for stress resilience and mental stamina.
  • ElectrolytesNa, K, Ca, Mg for deep hydration alongside energy.
  • B-Vitamin Complex + BiotinBalanced ratio for energy metabolism and cellular communication.
Why Kynetik Is Different

Rhodiola rosavins have demonstrated reduced mental fatigue, improved stress resilience, and enhanced cognitive performance in clinical trials.

Darbinyan et al. (2000) Phytomedicine. Olsson et al. (2009) Planta Med.

L-theanine + caffeine combination consistently improves sustained attention and alertness while reducing anxiety — a well-replicated cognitive performance synergy.

Owen et al. (2008) Nutr Neurosci. Haskell et al. (2008) Biol Psychol.
Ed's Take · Daily use

"I'm 67 and spend long days between appraisal and content production. Kynetik gives clean, sustained energy without the rebound — the L-theanine + Yerba Santa combination is noticeably different from coffee. I don't drink it past 2pm."

Revíve Renewal and Recovery softgels by THREE International — box and amber jar
Renewal & Recovery · Joint Support
Revíve
2 softgels daily or as needed · 60 softgels · 30-day supply
Revíve uses quillaja saponins that self-assemble into micelles — naturally boosting cellular absorption. Adjuvants piperine and menthol amplify absorption of every ingredient. In the epigenetic study, Revíve was the broadest performer across all 7 gene categories tested, including the sirt1 longevity gene.
  • CurcuminSupports natural inflammatory response. Joint health, muscle soreness, recovery.
  • BoswelliaComplements curcumin for joint support and post-exercise recovery.
  • Quillaja SaponinsSelf-assemble into micelles — THREE's primary CAT vehicle for this formula.
  • Grape Seed ExtractProanthocyanins for aerobic endurance, joint health, immune support.
  • Shiitake MushroomErgothioneine accelerates muscle recovery and immune health.
  • Piperine + MentholAdjuvants increasing absorption of all Revíve ingredients.
30% Cellular absorption · 3.0× vs control
Epigenetic Study: Broadest Performer
ppara (energy/ATP)+384%
bdnf (brain health)+430%
glp-1 (metabolic)+293%
sirt1 (longevity)+164%
nfkb (inflammatory)−200%
il-6 (inflammatory)−123%

Standard curcumin absorption is ~10% — validating that quillaja micelle delivery is necessary, not optional. Revíve at 30% is 3× more bioavailable than unformulated curcumin.

Anand et al. (2007) Mol Pharm. Prasad et al. (2014) Trends Biotechnol.
Ed's Take · Physical workdays

"I take Revíve on appraisal site visits, yard work, and workout days. What surprised me in the epigenetic data: Revíve led on the sirt1 longevity gene — for a joint recovery product, that's a significant bonus."

Purifí Daily Whole-Body Detox capsules by THREE International — white box and green capsule jar
Daily Whole-Body Detox · 5-Organ Support
Purifí
1 capsule daily · 30 capsules · Liver, lungs, colon, kidneys, skin
Your liver and kidneys are your actual detoxification system — no supplement replaces them. What Purifí provides are evidence-backed cofactors that support those organs' natural processes. Liposomal milk thistle and fulvic acid both have legitimate evidence bases. Second-highest absorption in THREE's study at 88%.
  • Fulvic Acid (Humic Shale)Complexes with heavy metals for elimination. Increases cellular absorption. Supports mitochondrial function.
  • Liposomal Milk ThistleSilymarin — most studied hepatoprotective botanical.
  • Chlorophyllin CapsuleWater-soluble chlorophyll derivative; binds and removes toxins efficiently.
  • Mullein LeafMaintains lung and respiratory system health.
  • Kelp + Apple PectinColon health and gut microbiome support.
  • Burdock + Dandelion RootLiver, kidney, and gallbladder function support.
88% Cellular absorption · 8.8× vs control
The Science on Key Ingredients

Silymarin (milk thistle) has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in multiple controlled trials, including liver enzyme normalization and protection against oxidative damage to liver cells.

Abenavoli et al. (2010) Phytother Res. Federico et al. (2017) Dig Liver Dis.

Fulvic acid has demonstrated ability to complex with heavy metal ions in laboratory settings, supporting its use as a detoxification cofactor.

Rashid et al. (2016) Int J Mol Sci.
Ed's Take · Daily use

"One capsule daily as a consistent practice — not a 3-day dramatic cleanse. The milk thistle and fulvic acid science is solid. I pair it with Vitalité every morning."

Collagène Marine Sourced Collagen by THREE International — white box and light blue liquid packet
Marine Sourced Collagen · Skin, Hair, Nails, Joints
Collagène
1 packet per day · 10 consecutive days · Repeat monthly · 5g marine collagen
Collagène has the most straightforward evidence base of any THREE product. THREE's innovation: hydrolyzation plus micronization for superior cellular absorption. Source: wild-caught marine fish from sustainable open-ocean aquaculture. The epigenetic study showed Collagène upregulated BDNF by 570%.
  • Marine Collagen (5g)Hydrolyzed AND micronized. Wild-caught, sustainable. Skin, hair, nail, joint support.
  • Pomegranate ConcentratePunicalagins turn collagen production back on at the genetic level.
  • Hyaluronic AcidPrevents skin water loss. Supports elastin. Joint lubrication.
  • Keratin (Hydrolyzed)Hydrolyzed form dramatically increases bioavailability vs standard keratin.
  • Vitamin CEssential collagen synthesis cofactor — cannot make collagen without it.
  • Biotin (Vitamin B7)Hair, skin, and nail health support.
73% Cellular absorption · 7.3× vs control
Epigenetic Results
bdnf (brain/cognition)+570%
ppara (energy/ATP)+117%
sod1 (antioxidant)+122%
nfkb (inflammatory)−125%

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides (GPRGPA, GPOGPA) have been detected accumulating in skin tissue after oral ingestion. RCTs show measurable improvements in skin elasticity and hydration.

Asserin et al. (2015) J Cosm Dermatology. Proksch et al. (2014) Skin Pharm & Physiol.

Oral hyaluronic acid has been shown to reach joint synovial tissue and reduce knee discomfort in human clinical trials.

Kalman et al. (2008) Nutrition Journal.
Ed's Take · Month 3+

"The hydrolyzed vs. intact collagen absorption difference is real and published. The 10-day monthly cycle mirrors clinical trial design. My skin and joints both showed measurable improvement by month 3."

Imúne Total Body Immune Support capsules by THREE International — box and clear jar showing tan capsules
Total Body Immune Support · Three-System Architecture
Imúne
2 capsules daily · 60 capsules · Fully vegan · No animal products
Rather than loading vitamins C and D, Imúne uses a three-system approach: quorum sensing inhibition, adaptive immunity support, and innate immunity maintenance — three distinct immune mechanisms simultaneously. 80% of the immune system is gut-resident; Imúne targets that directly.
  • Quorum Sensing BlendLiposomal quercetin + reishi + Agaricus blazei + nano silver + zinc + vitamin C. Inhibits bacterial communication.
  • Adaptive Immunity BlendAquamin TG + Cordyceps sinensis + maitake + vitamin A + trace minerals + selenium.
  • Innate Immunity BlendElderberry + lion's mane mushroom + vitamin D3 + aloe vera + vitamin E + calcium.
44% Cellular absorption · 4.4× vs control
The Three-System Framework

Quercetin shows antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-modulating effects across multiple studies. Liposomal delivery significantly improves quercetin bioavailability vs standard supplementation.

Boots et al. (2008) Eur J Pharm. Riva et al. (2019) Nutrients.

Medicinal mushrooms (reishi, maitake, Cordyceps, lion's mane) have extensive beta-glucan and immune modulation research, addressing both innate and adaptive immunity.

Wasser SP. (2011) Appl Microbiol Biotechnol.
Ed's Take · 9 months

"The quorum sensing approach — targeting how bad bacteria communicate rather than overwhelming them with vitamin C — is genuinely novel. Zero sick days in 9 months. Correlation, not causation. But I'll take it."

Wellness Alignment Tool

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This is a product orientation tool, not medical advice. Consult your physician before beginning any supplement protocol, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions.


Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About THREE International & Cellular Absorption

Questions I hear most often from professionals researching THREE International, bioavailability science, and whether these products might fit their wellness protocol.

THREE International's Cellular Absorption Technology uses multiple delivery mechanisms — liposomal encapsulation, quillaja saponin micelles, particle-size reduction (Micro-Active), and adjuvants like piperine and menthol — to increase the percentage of bioactive nutrients that cross the cellular membrane. In a Caco-2 permeability assay conducted by Dr. Brett Stephens (Wasatch Scientific), Éternel achieved 95% cellular absorption vs. 10% for the curcumin control — 9.5× more bioavailable than a standard organic molecule with no delivery technology.
A 2023 epigenetic gene expression study by Paul Davis, Ph.D. and Catherine Davis, Ph.D. (Trinity Bioactives Ltd) with Dr. Dan Gubler used THLE-2 human liver cells and qRT-PCR methodology to measure gene modulation. Key findings: Éternel suppressed the IL-6 inflammatory gene by 1,250% and nfkb by 345%. Vitalité upregulated BDNF (brain health) by 840% and GLP-1 (metabolic) by 348%. Revíve was the broadest performer across 7 gene categories, including sirt1 (longevity) at +164%.
GLP THREE is built around MBC-267™ — 267 naturally-occurring peptides from Norwegian salmon protein hydrolysate and mushrooms that bind to the GLP-1 receptor. It is patent-pending, exclusive to THREE International, and listed in the Prescribers' Digital Reference (PDR). Supporting botanical ingredients — Panax ginseng (ginsenosides), saffron extract (crocetin as GPR40/GPR120 agonist), and hops (TAS2R bitter receptor activation) — all have individual peer-reviewed studies supporting GLP-1 pathway stimulation. THREE's cellular absorption technology is used to protect the peptide complex through the GI tract intact before cellular diffusion.
Yes, and that is disclosed prominently on every page of this site. Ed Drost is a compensated THREE International Brand Ambassador and earns commissions on qualifying purchases through links on this site. He personally tested all 8 THREE products for 6 months before agreeing to become an ambassador. All scientific claims are independently cited from peer-reviewed sources with PDF links so readers can verify everything themselves. The FTC disclosure appears in the header, in the ambassador card, and in the footer of every page.
Standard trans-resveratrol has a well-documented first-pass metabolism problem — it is extensively metabolized in the gut and liver before reaching systemic circulation (Walle T., 2011, Annals of the NY Academy of Sciences). Éternel addresses this using Micro-Active particle-size reduction technology. In THREE's Caco-2 cellular absorption assay, Éternel achieved 95% cellular absorption compared to 10% for the curcumin control baseline — making it 9.5× more bioavailable than a standard organic supplement molecule with no delivery technology. Additionally, the 2023 epigenetic study showed Éternel suppressed the IL-6 inflammatory gene by 1,250% in human liver cells.
Dr. Dan Gubler, Ph.D. is THREE International's Chief Scientific Officer. He holds a doctorate in Organic Chemistry, is Caltech-trained, has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, formulated 70+ nutritional supplements, and holds 16 granted or pending patents. He co-authored both the Caco-2 cellular absorption study (with Dr. Brett Stephens of Wasatch Scientific) and the epigenetic gene expression study (with Paul Davis, Ph.D. and Catherine Davis, Ph.D. of Trinity Bioactives Ltd). He has a health/wellness following of over 1.3 million and hosts a top-50 podcast.
THREE International's current US product line includes: Éternel (antioxidant super-blend, 95% cellular absorption), Vitalité (superfood blend + multivitamin complex, 44%), GLP THREE™ (weight management with MBC-267™ peptides), Kynetik (clean energy + hydration drink mix), Revíve (renewal and recovery softgels, 30%), Purifí (daily whole-body detox capsules, 88%), Collagène (marine sourced collagen, 73%), and Imúne (total body immune support, 44%). All products are available through Ed Drost's ambassador account at edwarddrost.threeinternational.com.

Ed Drost
Maryland State Certified
Residential Appraiser #30004874

THREE International
Brand Ambassador

AI Authority Coach
EdDrost.com

Residential Appraisal Solutions, LLC
Parkton, Maryland
443-904-5229

Why a 67-Year-Old Appraiser Is Building a Supplement Education Site

That's the right question. My background is real estate valuation — 35 years appraising Baltimore-area properties, working estate and divorce cases, SDAT tax appeals, and multifamily assignments. I am not a nutritionist, biochemist, or physician.

What I am is a professional who has spent three decades being paid to assess the difference between a legitimate claim and an inflated one. When someone brought THREE International's science to my attention, I did what I always do: I pulled the studies, read the methodology, and looked at the data before forming an opinion.

The Caco-2 absorption study is methodologically sound. The Caco-2 assay is a well-established pharmaceutical testing method — the same approach used to evaluate drug bioavailability. The epigenetic study used real human liver cell lines with published qRT-PCR methodology. These are not marketing documents — they are actual studies with actual methods sections.

I also run a coaching practice at EdDrost.com helping professionals 45+ build AI-powered authority businesses. The philosophy is the same everywhere I work: do the homework, build on real foundations, be transparent about what you know and what you don't. This site is what that looks like applied to wellness.

I tested all 8 THREE products personally for 6 months before agreeing to become an ambassador. I disclose my compensation on every page. I link to every study I cite so you can read it yourself. That's the standard I hold myself to.

35+Years
Professional Experience
67Years Old &
Still Building
6moPersonal Testing
Before Endorsing