ritual vitamins unboxing

So, you’ve seen the bright, hard-to-miss, ads all over social media. You’ve probably even heard about how they’re disrupting the supplement industry. And maybe you’re wondering “is Ritual worth it?” 

Well, you’re in the right place because this post answers all your burning questions about Ritual supplements!

By the end of this article you will know the pros and cons of Ritual’s Essential for Women, Essential for Women 50+ and Essential Prenatal vitamins.

My goal is to give you a thorough and honest review of Ritual vitamins, so that can save time and worry.

So, without further delay, let’s get into it!

Note: this post contains some affiliate links and I earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase.

RITUAL MULTIVITAMIN REVIEW: TOP 6 THINGS I LIKE ABOUT THESE SUPPLEMENTS

1. Fills in common nutritional gaps

With every decade that passes, our eating habits and farming practices change. 

And that’s not always a good thing.

In fact, studies show that many Americans are deficient in nutrients like iron, folate, B12 and many others.

And the longer we live with these deficiencies, the greater our chances of experiencing chronic illnesses, hormonal imbalances, weight problems and so on.

So, when I came across Ritual vitamins, the first thing that caught my attention was that they cover the nutrient deficiencies that affect 90% of women.

Not a bad place to start!

Now, here’s a list of the nutrients that are found in all Ritual vitamins. The items in bold are meant to highlight ingredients that are unique to that formula.

Essential for Women 50+ Ingredients
Folate
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin D3
Vitamin K2
Boron
Vitamin E
Magnesium
Essential for Women Ingredients
Folate
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin D3
Vitamin K2
Boron
Vitamin E
Magnesium
Iron
Essential Prenatal Ingredients
Folate
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin D3
Vitamin K2
Boron
Vitamin E
Magnesium
Iron
Choline
Biotin
Iodine

As you can see, there are some differences between each formula since each nutritional requirements vary based on our phase of life.

By taking this approach, Ritual’s supplements make it very easy to cover the most common nutritional deficiencies.

I like this approach because in order to improve our health, we always have to start with the basic foundational elements.

ritual vitamins on table

2. Methylated B-vitamins

In order for our bodies to make good use of folate (whether it’s from food or supplements) it has to be converted to 5-MTHF

5-MTHF is the active form of folate. In that active form, folate is able to be used in methylation, which is an important process that affects our reproductive, cardiovascular, neurological health, as well as our detoxification processes.

But unfortunately, about 60% of the U.S. population has a genetic mutation that makes it difficult for our bodies to make enough 5-MTHF.

In addition, many of us have liver and/or gut health issues that can further compromises the body’s ability to make 5-MTHF.

So, how can you counteract all this? By taking a formula like Ritual, which uses methylated B vitamins.

These methylated vitamins are active. This means your body is better able to absorb them and use them in various biochemical processes.

3. Easy on-the-go and easy on the gut

I don’t know about you, but some days I’m in such a rush that I have to take my vitamins on an empty (or almost empty) stomach.

And, if you’ve ever taken supplements on an empty tummy, you know that it can be hard on your digestive system!

But according to Ritual, you can take their supplements on an empty tummy.

So, I gave it a try many times and I’m happy to report that these supplements really are easy on my tummy.

Now, this is not to say that you should always take it without food.

But it’s certainly nice to know that you have the option when you need it 🙂

4. Essential oil coating

I don’t know about you but I’m one of those people who sometimes lets pills sit just a few seconds too long in my mouth.

And when you do that, you can sometimes get an unpleasant taste (depending on the brand).

So, I enjoyed the fact that Ritual’s capsules are flavored with essential oils.

The Essential for Women and Essential for Women 50+ are coated with real peppermint oil. As for the Essential Prenatal it has a lemon oil coating.

This makes for a pleasant and refreshing aftertaste. And since it’s pure essential oils, you don’t have to worry about ingesting potentially damaging, synthetic coatings.

5. Ingredient transparency

If you like to know where your food and supplements come from, then Ritual supplements are definitely for you.

One reason I was eager to share this Ritual vitamins review is because Ritual’s website is full of info, showing you where each ingredient comes from.

In addition, they highlight the lab/scientists who work on specific ingredients.

So you basically get a glimpse into the production process.

If you’re a geek like me, then you’ll appreciate the transparency around the ingredients used in ritual vitamins 🙂

6. Convenience with a risk-free trial

When I first started taking supplements years ago, I spent a ton of money buying individual items.

I had a bottle of magnesium, vitamin C, zinc and so on.

Then I learned that vitamins and minerals need various co-factors in order for the body to absorb them properly.

And without the right co-factors we don’t absorb the individual supplements very well 🙁

So, now I avoid taking single supplements and instead, I go for multivitamins like Ritual.

It’s less expensive, less pills to take every day and it’s formulated to optimize absorption.

And another perk with Ritual is that they offer a risk-free trial to start out.

This means you can try out the supplements and if you really don’t like it, just ask for a refund.

Supplements are an investment and it’s always nice to have an easy refund policy in case it just doesn’t live up to your expectations.

RITUAL VITAMINS BENEFITS

Now it’s time to dig into the core of this review and talk about the benefits of Ritual vitamins.

This section gives you an overview of how each nutrient supports various aspects of female health.

Please note that this section covers iron, plus all the ingredients that are used in all 3 Ritual formulas (the next section covers the extra ingredients that are exclusive to the prenatal formula).

ritual vitamin review ritual packaging
Ritual aims to breathe new life into the supplement industry.
NUTRIENTBENEFITS
Folate* necessary for healthy pregnancy and conception.

* improves PMS, mood disorders and cognitive function.

* methylated folate which is easier for the body to absorb.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids* lowers inflammation.

* supports cognitive health.

* supports a healthy ratio of omega 3 to omega 6.
Vitamin B12* supports fertility, bone health and immune system.

*improves brain fog.

*methylated B12, which is easier for the body to absorb
Vitamin D3 * maintains healthy estrogen levels.

* improves weight issues, pcos, endometriosis, fibroids, depression, mood swings, PMS, hair loss and other estrogen dominance symptoms.

* maintains a healthy balance of thyroid hormones.

* supports the pituitary gland.
Iron* beneficial for libido, fatigue, sleep problems and mood swings.

* supports healthy digestion.
Vitamin K2* brings calcium to bones and maintains healthy bones.
Boron * lowers inflammatory markers linked to depression, insulin resistance and obesity.

* regulates estrogen and testosterone levels.
Vitamin E* protects the nervous system.

* eases PMS.

* fights free radical damage.
Magnesium* balances hormones and alleviates period pain.

* regulates cortisol, supports the thyroid and improves sleep.

*Reduces hot flashes and other peri/menopause symptoms.

Folate (Methylated)

Also known as vitamin B9, folate is essential for anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive.

In addition, folate improves PMS symptoms, mood disorders, and cognitive function.

As for the folate used in Ritual’s products, it’s methylated folate.

This is a form of folate that is more bioavailable and easier for the body to absorb.

This is in contrast to folic acid, which many other brands use, and which isn’t the best form of folate for us.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chronic inflammation lies at the heart of most chronic illnesses.

It just so happens that omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for reducing inflammation and for maintaining healthy cognitive function.

In addition, the typical American diet contains very little omega-3, and too much omega-6 (which is a pro-inflammatory).

In fact, some reports say that for the average American, the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 is anywhere from 12:1 to 25:1.

This ratio is troubling because the ideal ratio is supposed to be 4:1!

So, by supplementing with omega-3s, you help bring balance to this ratio.

Vitamin B-12 (Methylated)

B-12 deficiency is linked to fertility issues, osteoporosis, fatigue, brain fog, a weak immune system and so much more.

It is worth noting that when your immune system is weak, your hormone production system is negatively impacted as well.

So, by supplementing with B-12, you give your body the boost it needs for your immunity and your hormones.

Vitamin D3

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, estrogen dominance is a common problem that is linked to weight gain, pcos, endometriosis, fibroids, depression, mood swings, PMS, hair loss and so much more.

Interestingly, vitamin D has been shown to improve estrogen dominance symptoms, as well as improve levels of feel-good hormones like serotonin.

In addition, vitamin D helps the body maintain the proper balance of thyroid hormones.

Furthermore, vitamin D supports the health of the pituitary gland (which affects every aspect of hormone health).

Iron

Did you know that hormonal imbalance symptoms like low libido, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and mood swings can result from iron deficiency?

Iron is also necessary for the proper breakdown and absorption of food.

So, by supplementing with iron, you improve your digestion and you that improves the quantity of nutrients that actually end up in your cells.

Vitamin K2

This vitamin is essential for bone health because it brings calcium to your bones.

More specifically, vitamin K2 stimulates a hormone known as calcitonin, which is one of the hormones responsible for bone health.

So, basically without vitamin K2, your bones are not properly “fed”!

Boron

This mineral is effective at reducing inflammatory markers that are linked to depression, insulin resistance and obesity.

In addition, boron is helpful for supporting bone health, as well as regulating estrogen and testosterone levels.

Vitamin E

As I’ve talked about before, taking herbs that support the nervous system is an important part of natural hormone balance.

Vitamin E happens to be one nutrient that not only protects the nervous system, but also eases PMS symptoms and fights free radical damage.

Magnesium

When it comes to regulating cortisol, supporting the thyroid, improving sleep and reducing hot flashes, magnesium is one nutrient that gets the job done right.

In addition, magnesium alleviates peri/menopause symptoms and period pain.

RITUAL PRENATAL VITAMIN: INGREDIENT REVIEW

Now it’s time to look at the 3 ingredients that are found exclusively in the Essential Prenatal supplement.

These ingredients are meant to benefit moms-to-be (and babies-to-be)!

NUTRIENTBENEFITS
Choline* prevents birth defects.

* ensures healthy development of brain and spinal cord.
Iodine * ensures healthy development of brain and nervous system.

* regulates metabolism and thyroid gland.
Biotin* prevents birth defects.

Choline

Whether you’re trying to conceive or you’re already pregnant, choline is a must-have supplement that helps maintain healthy pregnancy and prevent birth defects.

In addition choline ensures the healthy development of a baby’s brain and spinal cord.

It’s worth nothing that back in 2017, the American Medical Association reported that most prenatal supplements contain little to no choline.

So, the Essential Prenatal is one of the few supplements that actually provides this essential prenatal nutrient.

Iodine

Just like choline, iodine supports the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.

Iodine also helps regulate metabolism and thyroid gland.

Lastly by supplementing with iodine, you minimize the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage, both of which are linked to iodine deficiency.

Biotin

One of the major benefits of biotin during pregnancy is that it can prevent birth defects.

Surprisingly, up to 50% of pregnant women may have a slight biotin deficiency.

So, while it is not always necessary to take a separate biotin supplement, having it in a prenatal formula provides additional peace of mind.

THINGS I WISH WERE BETTER ABOUT RITUAL SUPPLEMENTS

As much as I love Ritual’s transparency and their production standards, my only wish is that they would include more nutrients in each formula.

For example, it’d be nice to have vitamin C, other B-vitamins, selenium and even some probiotics included.

Now, this is just my personal preference because I like all-in-one formulas (less bottles laying around!).

But I also understand that more isn’t necessarily better.

And when it comes to something like vitamin C, Ritual’s official statement is that most of us are able to meet our daily requirements through food. Given that the RDA for vitamin C is 60mg, that is definitely easy to obtain through food.

Hopefully, as the company grows they will add in complementary multivitamin for those “extra” nutrients – you know, the ones we’re not deficient in, but that are still necessary for our health.

RELATED QUESTIONS

Are Ritual vitamins FDA-approved?

The FDA does not approve ANY supplements and as a result Ritual vitamins are not FDA-approved.

That said, the FDA does have manufacturing standards for supplements called Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP).

Ritual supplements do follow the CGMP.

Do ritual vitamins have probiotics?

No, Ritual vitamins do not contain probiotics.

If you’d like a daily vitamin that includes probiotics, then check out my list of supplements for female hormonal imbalance. I have recommendations for daily multis that contain probiotics.

Is Ritual a prenatal vitamin?

Ritual has a prenatal vitamin, a women’s daily vitamin and a daily vitamin for women over 50.

The prenatal is formulated to prep the body for conception and pregnancy.

As for the other two daily vitamins, they’re meant to provide every day support depending on the phase of life.

Do Ritual vitamins expire?

Yes. The expiration date is marked on the bottom of the bottle.

The good thing is the expiration dates are approximately a year out (at least this is what I noticed when I got my bottles).

Each bottle is equivalent to a one month supply so it’s unlikely that the vitamins will expire before you finish the bottle

CONCLUSION: ARE RITUAL VITAMINS WORTH IT?

So, having said all this, are ritual vitamins worth it?

Given the high quality of the ingredients, the reasonable price tag and the risk-free trial, Ritual vitamins offer a great value for price that is hard to beat.

Combined with healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle, the Ritual Essential for Women, Essential for Women 50+ and the Essential Prenatal, are ideal for covering the most critical nutritional needs that we face these days.

I hope this Ritual vitamins review was helpful and if you have any questions or feedback, just drop a comment below 🙂


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