The Ritual Approach to Supplement Formulation
Ritual distinguishes itself in the supplement industry by emphasizing traceability and clean, bioavailable ingredients. The company's philosophy centers on using high-quality nutrients in forms the body can easily absorb, rather than including a wide array of potentially unnecessary or low-quality components. This commitment to intentional, science-backed formulas means that what do Ritual vitamins contain is not always a longer list, but a more thoughtful one.
The supplements are made with vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO formulas, free of major allergens like dairy, nuts, and soy. Ritual also uses a unique Beadlet In Oil Technology in many of its multivitamins, which separates oily and dry ingredients into nested capsules for optimal absorption. An added mint or citrus essence tab in each bottle helps to improve the taste experience, minimizing the common issue of vitamin aftertaste.
Common Key Ingredients Across Ritual Multivitamins
While specific formulations vary by product, several key ingredients are foundational to Ritual's multivitamin offerings. These are often included to address common dietary gaps and are sourced transparently.
- Vegan Omega-3 DHA (from microalgae): Sourced from microalgae, not fish oil, making it suitable for vegans. DHA is crucial for brain health and function. Studies have shown that Ritual's Essential for Women 18+ significantly increases DHA levels over 12 weeks.
- Methylated Folate: Ritual uses the active, methylated form of folate, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to standard folic acid. Folate is important for brain health and critical for neural tube development in prenatal formulas.
- Methylated Vitamin B12: Providing a biologically active form of Vitamin B12 supports brain health and energy production. This is a key nutrient for individuals following plant-based diets.
- Vitamin D3 (from lichen): This vegan-certified Vitamin D3 is derived from sustainably-sourced lichen and supports bone health and normal immune function.
- Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7): Works synergistically with Vitamin D to help maintain bone health.
- Boron: Another nutrient included to aid in maintaining bone health.
- Magnesium: Ritual includes magnesium, which is a key component for bone health and normal muscle function.
- Iron: This gentle, chelated form of iron is included in specific products, like the Essential for Women 18+ and prenatal formulas, to support blood-building.
Ingredient Variations by Ritual Product Line
Essential for Women 18+
This multivitamin is formulated with 9 key nutrients to address common gaps in women's diets. A published clinical study has shown it can effectively increase Vitamin D, Omega-3 DHA, and Folate levels. Key ingredients include Omega-3 DHA, methylated folate, methylated B12, vitamin D3, vitamin E, chelated iron, magnesium, vitamin K2, and boron.
Essential Prenatal
Designed for women before and during pregnancy, this formula provides 12 key traceable ingredients. It includes higher levels of certain nutrients critical for fetal development, such as Omega-3 DHA, methylated folate, choline, and chelated iron. To meet all nutritional needs during pregnancy, a healthcare provider should be consulted as some standard prenatal nutrients are not included.
Essential for Men 18+
Targeting men's nutritional gaps, this formula excludes iron, which is not typically needed in supplement form by adult men. It provides Omega-3 DHA, methylated B12, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin A, zinc, magnesium, vitamin K2, and boron.
Essential Postnatal
For postpartum and lactating women, this formula includes additional nutrients to support both the mother and nursing infant. It contains boosted levels of Omega-3 DHA, choline, iodine, and biotin. Other ingredients include vitamins A, C, D3, E, methylated folate, B12, chelated iron, magnesium, zinc, and boron.
How Ritual Vitamins Compare
| Feature | Essential for Women 18+ | Essential Prenatal | Essential for Men 18+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 DHA (vegan) | 330mg | 350mg | 330mg |
| Methylated Folate | 1000mcg | 1000mcg | 200mcg |
| Methylated B12 | 8mcg | 8mcg | 8mcg |
| Chelated Iron | 8mg | 18mg | Absent |
| Choline | Absent | 55mg | Absent |
| Iodine | Absent | 150mcg | Absent |
| Zinc | Absent | Absent | 2.4mg |
| Capsule Type | Beadlet in Oil | Nested Capsule | Beadlet in Oil |
Conclusion
Ritual vitamins are formulated with a clear, science-backed, and transparent approach that defines what do Ritual vitamins contain based on targeted nutritional needs. By focusing on key, bioavailable nutrients like vegan Omega-3 DHA and methylated vitamins, rather than a broad spectrum, the company aims to fill specific dietary gaps. The vegan, non-GMO, and major allergen-free status across most products makes them a suitable choice for many individuals with dietary restrictions. However, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to ensure a specific Ritual formula aligns with your individual nutritional requirements.
For more detailed information on specific ingredients and their sourcing, Ritual provides transparent details on their official website.
