Ritual and Mara Renewables Clinical Study Reinforces Growing Demand for Clinically Validated Maternal Nutrition

As consumers and retailers demand more proof behind supplement claims, new scientific data from Ritual and Mara Renewables highlights a growing shift in maternal nutrition toward clinically demonstrated outcomes.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study sponsored by Ritual in collaboration with the Brooklyn College CUNY, and co-funded by Ritual and Mara Renewables (Algarithm®), demonstrated that postnatal mothers taking Ritual Essential Postnatal formulated with DHA rich microalgal oil manufactured by Mara Renewables (Algarithm®) achieved a statistically significant 26% (P=0.03) increase in breast milk DHA concentration compared to control after 10 weeks.

The study involved 64 exclusively breastfeeding participants beginning five weeks postpartum and adds to growing evidence supporting the importance of omega-3 DHA supplementation during the postnatal period in improving both maternal and baby health.

For Mara Renewables, a global leader in sustainable, fish-free microalgal omega-3 DHA, the study reflects a broader market evolution toward products built on measurable outcomes, transparency, and consumer trust.

“For years, the supplement industry has focused heavily on formulation and ingredient positioning. What we’re seeing now is a meaningful shift toward clinically demonstrated outcomes and products backed by real-world validation,” said Cecilia Shiroma-Kian, Americas GM at Mara Renewables. “Brands like Ritual are helping raise the standard by investing in clinical research that gives consumers, health professionals and retailers greater confidence in the products they choose and recommend.”

In addition to higher DHA concentrations, participants reported significantly greater satisfaction across key sensory attributes—smell (P < 0.001), taste (P < 0.001) and ease of consumption (P = 0.001)—versus control, underscoring the role of product experience in supporting supplement adherence during the postnatal period.

“Today’s consumers expect more than ingredients - they expect evidence, transparency, and products they genuinely enjoy consuming,” said Dr. Eva Lewis, Director of Applications at Mara Renewables. “This study further validates the role of high-quality omega-3 DHA in postnatal nutrition and demonstrates how science-backed formulation and exceptional consumer experience can work together to support the next generation of maternal nutrition products.”

Mara’s omega-3 DHA is sustainably produced from microalgae through a precision fermentation, solvent-free oil recovery process, offering a fish-free alternative to traditional marine-based omega-3 sources. The ingredient is Non-GMO, vegan, Halal, and Kosher certified.

Ritual is a science-first supplement brand focused on transparent, clinically backed nutrition.