Is Essential Prenatal Clinically Studied?

Yes! Ritual’s Essential Prenatal is the only best-selling prenatal with its own clinical study.‡†

It was the subject of a 24-week, randomized, double-blind trial—comparing it to another leading prenatal. This study prioritized pregnant women from diverse backgrounds, helping close the research gap in maternal health. The result? A rigorously tested prenatal designed for real-world needs, backed by science—not assumptions.

This study was particularly important given the lack of data in women’s healthcare. Historically, women, and pregnant women in particular, have been an afterthought in clinical studies and healthcare. Women were routinely excluded from clinical trials until 1993 leaving many existing healthcare and nutrition recommendations based on data extrapolated from studies conducted on men. This has made it more difficult to understand the unique needs and hormonal changes experienced by women, especially during pregnancy.

The exclusion of pregnant women, particularly those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, has furthered this significant gap in maternal health research. A lack of inclusivity leads to a shortage of robust, evidence-based guidance for pregnant women’s care and treatment, leaving many products and recommendations inadequately tested for safety and efficacy.¹

‡Based on net sales from industry data including Nielsen IQ, Stackline, and Numerator as of Q4, 2024 and top 5 products.

†Based on a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial on 62 second and third trimester pregnant women.

¹Blehar MC, Spong C, Grady C, Goldkind SF, Sahin L, Clayton JA. Enrolling pregnant women: issues in clinical research. Womens Health Issues. 2013 Jan;23(1):e39-45. doi: 10.1016/j.whi.2012.10.003. PMID: 23312713; PMCID: PMC3547525.

How do you test for heavy metals?

Heavy metal contamination is a pressing problem and something we take seriously. Our Essential Prenatal received the Purity Award from Clean Label Project. We start by carefully selecting our suppliers and ingredient forms to minimize high amounts of heavy metal risk where possible. Then, we use a state-of-the-art, certified third-party testing facility to test every single lot of our final product for heavy metals (Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead) to ensure it meets our standards. Our third-party lab uses ICP Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) testing equipment, which is highly sensitive, and a detection limit of 0.01 ppm for all heavy metals tested. Final products are tested again through the Clean Label Project for additional third-party verification.

Ritual openly shares heavy metal test results with customers, setting a new standard for heavy metal transparency. We also are one of the only supplement brands asking for state and federal limits on heavy metals in supplements and prenatal vitamins.

You can review all tests conducted on our prenatal on our Certificate of Traceability.

Why do you use Folate vs. Folic Acid?

Folic acid and methylated folate as 5-MTHF are different forms of the same nutrient (folate) that both help support adequate folate levels, a key determinant in healthy neural tube development. Folic acid, however, is a synthetic form that must be converted in the body to 5-MTHF to be efficiently utilized. We formulate our multivitamins with 5-MTHF because it’s a biologically active form, meaning that it doesn’t need to be converted into another form for the body to utilize it (unlike folic acid). The FDA takes a position—with significant scientific agreement from qualified health experts—that maintaining adequate folate intake may reduce the risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy. As part of this, FDA does not agree that folic acid is the only form of folate to help reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. We agree with the FDA's position.*

Additionally, in a clinical study, 29% of women taking a leading prenatal group exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)for folate from diet and supplements. In contrast, 100% of women taking Ritual Essential Prenatal remained safely below this threshold with 97% less unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in b mom's blood and 82% less in the placenta.†*

†Based on a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial on 62 second and third trimester pregnant women.

Is Essential Prenatal right for me?

Essential Prenatal was designed with 12 key nutrients for women who are thinking about, trying, or who are currently pregnant. If you’re not trying or are currently pregnant, Essential for Women 18+ is the way to go!

What purchase and delivery options does Ritual offer?

Ritual offers flexible options to fit your needs:

1-Month Subscription: Enjoy automatic monthly deliveries every 30 days for consistent replenishment and convenience.

3-Month Subscription: Receive a multi-month supply in one shipment, delivered every 90 days for added ease and efficiency.

One-Time Purchase: Buy a single supply without ongoing commitment.

What testing do you complete for Essential Prenatal?

Each batch of our multivitamins is tested for identity, purity, strength, and composition so we can be sure that what’s on the label is what’s in the capsules. We also complete third-party testing to help ensure our products are compliant with regulations and guidelines for heavy metals, microbes, and major allergens and to help assure the quality and safety of our products. Essential Prenatal has been independently certified for quality and purity. It is Non-GMO Project Verified.

What is the packaging made from?

The bottle for Essential Prenatal is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and is made of #1 PET plastic, which is highly recyclable curbside. The caps on our multivitamin bottles are #5 and are made of polypropylene.

Additionally, your first month is shipped in a recyclable box, and recurring orders are shipped in mailers made from 100% recycled content (the paper used to make our mailers is 100% garbage-repurposed newsprint and plant fibers). Any collateral included is also made of 100% recycled materials.

What can I expect while taking Essential Prenatal?

Supporting key nutrient needs before and during pregnancy is what's important. While many people feel a difference, some don’t, and that’s okay. It’s what’s happening inside that counts. Blood-building nutrients Iron, Folate, and Vitamin B12 contribute to red blood cell formation, while Vitamin D supports normal immune function.*