About a month ago I shared about my struggle with supplements and the products that I have found work best for me. You can find that post Here. I also mentioned that I was waiting for the arrival of a new multivitamin that I was very excited to try.

I have been searching for a new multivitamin for 6 months. I tried 5 different brands over that time, none of which agreed with me. It was an expensive search.

I’m very serious about my supplements because I have Lyme Disease and my body is sensitive. I’m also very frustrated with the amount of research and knowledge that has to go into finding the right multivitamin. The average person doesn’t dig into things like I do, so there are countless amounts of people suffering through crappy vitamins and wasting their money.

Even high end supplements are packed with a huge list of things we really don’t need, that aren’t great for our health. The average person also doesn’t understand that the more they pack into a vitamin the less there is of the actual ingredients we need. It’s just fluff to make them seem more beneficial and exciting. I hate fluff. I want simple and easy to understand, which is how ALL supplements should be presented so it doesn’t feel like we have to take a master’s course to figure out how to weed through all the B.S.

When I had just about given up, I ran across Ritual. I am not being paid by them to review the vitamin, I found it completely on my own, and paid for it. After thoroughly researching their website and learning more about them, I was THRILLED! Could it be true?

They believe in simplicity. Their research and ingredients are backed by science. They are low dose. They have a simple ingredients list. They are completely transparent about their product. They are specifically geared toward women and they are affordable! Just $30.00 for a month’s supply.

It’s like someone swooped down and answered all of my vitamin prayers.

Here’s what you’ll find in their multi:

K2, D3, B12, Boron, Iron, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Folate, and Omega-3. At low doses based on what the “average” woman needs. When you visit their website you can click on each ingredient and they give you the complete rundown. Form, dosage, source, manufacturer (and when you click on the manufacturer you get even more in depth information), why they use that form, and how it works together with your diet and other vitamins. Amazing, right?

As with all new supplements I took the lowest dose for the first few days which in this case, was one capsule. Then after about 4 days I increased it to the normal dose of two capsules.

I am pleased to report that after taking them for about two weeks now, I am noticing a significant difference in my energy levels. What I really love is that it has been a gentle incline of healthy feeling overall energy, not a nervous buzz that we get with some vitamin supplements. I also love that I know EXACTLY what is in them and what they do for me. I don’t feel like I’m overdosing myself like I have with other multi’s with 42 unrealistic, not scientifically backed, ingredients that promise everything from clear skin to the healing of all diseases known to man.

Also, when taken with my breakfast there is no tummy upset and zero fish burps! I take my other large fish oil capsule along with it, so it surprises me that I haven’t had any fishy issues. Amen! I also notice a lessening of joint stiffness (common with Lyme Disease), my skin is brighter, my  fingernails are growing faster, my skin is less dry, and I’m sleeping really well (when Abigail isn’t howling with the coyotes).

The capsules are a really reasonable size. I swallow a handful of supplements every morning, but for those of you who have a difficult time swallowing pills, I don’t think they’re going to be an issue.

Here’s my breakdown:

Transparency & Truth In Advertising: Two Thumbs Up

Simple, Easy To Understand, Healthy Ingredients: Two Thumbs Up

Low Dose: Two Thumbs Up

Capsule Size: Two Thumbs Up

Cost: Two Thumbs Up

Efficacy: Two Thumbs Up and if I had three I’d give it three! 

I have zero complaints.

(Cover photo courtesy of TechCrunch)