The world of multivitamins can get quite confusing—it’s widely touted that women should be taking them, but the details after that become fuzzy: In what amount? Containing what ingredients? And what do they actually do for us? To clear the air, we consulted Katerina Schneider of Ritual, a new vitamin brand that believes in traceability, transparency with the consumer and high-quality, hard-working ingredients. If you’ve ever been left scratching your head in the supplement aisle, we suggest you read on.
Read more: Multivitamins Vs. Individual Vitamins — Which Are Better For You?
Q&A with Katerina of Ritual
"Our ingredients are sourced from the best suppliers around the world. We traveled far and wide—and did lots of research—and we made it our mission to work only with them. We believe in true transparency, so we're also the first vitamin company to share exactly where each ingredient is coming from and why we chose it through our first-of-its-kind open-source database. Ritual chooses suppliers with track records of innovation, quality and safety. Our ingredients come to us directly from their original producers, not secondhand distributors."
The Big Myth About Vitamins
"Women are often told they need an A to Z list of vitamins, but the latest research shows we really only need nine; the rest we tend to get from our diet. The key is to deliver those essential nine in the right ratios and dosages. We not only do that [in Ritual's Essential for Women vitamins], but all are non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free and allergen-free. We're providing exactly what women need—nothing more, nothing less."
What Do Women Actually Need?
"These nine essential nutrients are based on the latest scientific government-funded data of what the average American woman lacks in her diet.
- Vitamin D3 for bones, brain, heart and immune health.
- Vitamin B12 and the right kind of folate (MTHF) for bones, heart, brain health.
- Vitamin K2 MK7 for bone and heart health.
- Omega-3s for heart, brain, joints, immune health and more.
- Vitamin E for heart, brain, muscle, skin health.
- Iron for energy levels, brain and immune health.
- Magnesium for everything, especially heart, mood, muscles, bone, immune health.
- Boron helps reduce the need for calcium for bone, joint and heart health."
What Are The Benefits?
"Overall, vitamins work best when taken in the right forms and dosages. Short term, with the right formulation, you can see improved skin and mood, have more energy and have stronger immunity. The effects get better over time, and can even be anti-aging, along with improved bone, heart and brain health. Balance is very important and studies show supplements work better the longer they are taken."
What To Ask Your Doctor
"We recommend consulting your doctor if you're thinking of adding vitamins to your existing supplement routine or if you're taking a prescription containing warfarin [an anticoagulant]. We also recommend speaking to your doctor before adding Ritual's Essential for Women to your daily routine if you have a serious medical concern or disease, or are pregnant."
