RITUAL is a pre-workout supplement made by ANS Performance.
It’s designed to increase energy, pumps, and performance, for better workouts.
Advanced Nutraceutical Sciences Inc. was founded in 2010, and is based in Canada.
Ingredients Label
Active Ingredients
Beta Alanine
Beta alanine is an endurance-boosting compound.
It’s used by the body to produce carnosine, which eliminates the accumulation of toxic substances caused by exercise (1).
The effective dose is 2-5g.
Citrulline
Citrulline is an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide levels.
Nitric oxide is responsible for “vasodilation”, an effect that widens the blood vessels. This can result in increases in endurance and pumps (2).
An effective dose is 6-8g, taken pre-workout.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine is an organic acid found in meat, eggs, and fish.
It’s one of the best-researched compounds for athletic performance, and has been consistently shown to improve power output (3).
The effective dose is 3-5g daily.
Trimethylglycine
Trimethylglycine, also known as Betaine, is a compound found in sugar beets.
Research so far shows that it could be very effective for improving both power output and lean body mass (4).
The effective dose is about 2.5g.
Agmatine
Agmatine raises nitric oxide levels like citrulline, resulting in improved pumps and endurance (5).
It may also have other benefits, with some research now focusing on stress reduction and mood improvement.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid which can improve performance under stress and fatigue.
This occurs due to a reduction in stress hormone levels (6).
An effective dose is 500-2,000mg.
Dendrobium Nobile
Dendrobium is a type of plant used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Its extract may contain stimulants that noticeably improve both energy and concentration (7).
Caffeine
Caffeine is a popular stimulant which increases energy and alertness.
At higher doses, it can also improve athletic performance, in terms of power output and endurance (8).
B-Phenylethylamine HCl
B-Phenylethylamine HCl is a mood-booster, which is more commonly known as PEA.
Studies show improvements with PEA to positivity and attitude in humans (9).
Xanthaurine
Xanthaurine is another name for quercetin, a compound found in onions and apples.
It has strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may boost endurance through increased cellular energy (10).
Hordenine
Hordenine is compound which can act both as a fat-burner and mood-booster.
It’s also been shown to amplify the effects of other stimulants, making it a good ingredient to pair with compounds such as caffeine (11).
A typical dose is 30-50mg.
Higenamine HCl
Higenamine is a compound that works in a similar way to Ephedrine – a now-banned fat-burner (12).
More research needs to be performed in humans, but the estimated effective dose is 20-30mg, taken 2-3 times daily.
Who Takes It?
Athletes wanting a supplement to improve all aspects of their workouts may enjoy using RITUAL.
How to Take
Mix 1 scoop (9g) with 250mL water, and consume 15-30 minutes before your workout.
Side Effects
Creatine and caffeine can upset the stomach if taken without sufficient water, or on an empty stomach.
Beta alanine can cause a harmless tingling sensation in the face and skin.
Hordenine should not be combined with other medications or drugs, especially those for depression and anxiety.
Pros
- A solid base of proven ingredients are used
- Also includes newer, promising ingredients
- Multiple of flavouring options available.
Cons
- Doses of some, if not all ingredients are too low.
Conclusion
RITUAL is a pre-workout supplement that contains all the ingredients needed to be a great supplement, but falls very short in terms of doses.
The formula is built on a solid base of ingredients that are well-proven for a bunch of workout-boosting benefits, and also includes some additional, lesser-known compounds.
Most of the ingredients are included in only about half of their clinically effective doses, so you may be able to unlock its full potential by taking two scoops rather than a single one.
This could be dangerous, however, due to the undisclosed quantities of stimulants in each scoop.