Mara Renewables has announced the findings from a clinical study co-funded by supplement brand Ritual, evaluating Ritual's Essential Postnatal product in mothers.
The supplement contains Mara's Algarithm, a DHA-rich microalgal oil.
The research found that postnatal mothers taking Ritual's Essential Postnatal achieved a 26% increase in breast milk DHA concentration compared to a control group after ten weeks.
DHA is a crucial omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin and retina.
Mara’s omega-3 DHA is sustainably produced from microalgae through precision fermentation and solvent-free oil recovery, offering a fish-free alternative to traditional marine-based omega-3 sources.
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.
Mara said that the study reflected 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," said Cecilia Shiroma-Kian, Americas GM at Mara Renewables, "What we're seeing now is a meaningful shift toward clinically demonstrated outcomes and products backed by real-world validation."
Brands [such as] 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 improved DHA concentrations, participants reported significantly higher satisfaction with key sensory attributes, including smell, taste and ease of consumption, compared to the control group, highlighting the importance 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," added 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.