Publishing a study in a peer-reviewed journal is similar to passing third-party quality certification—put another way, we’ve always been able to demonstrate the efficacy of our product, but a clinical trial provides an additional, more specific lens. Peer review also serves as a way to uphold quality, helping to filter out poor research and protect the scientific knowledge base.

In theory, this third-party review process should help readers with gauging trust and confidence—many people put more sway in what they read in scientific journals because they have assurance that the information has been substantiated by someone with expertise. It also strengthens the finished product—by receiving invaluable feedback in the form of comments, questions, and suggested revisions by experts in their field, authors are able to produce a more comprehensive, precise piece of literature.

At Ritual, we strive to do high-quality research that will advance scientific knowledge. Publishing the results of our clinical study in a top, peer-reviewed journal is the cherry on top—but only a hint of what’s to come.

Frontiers in Nutrition is a top, globally recognized, peer-reviewed journal. Beyond being internationally renowned, what makes this journal an especially exciting one to be published in is the fact that its transparent philosophy aligns with our core values. Frontiers believes that scientific research is for the benefit of humankind—that it’s the product of an investment by society, and therefore should be accessible to all, which is why it provides free access to its publications. (Many scientific articles are not open-access, and therefore not accessible to many people.) Additionally, Frontiers in Nutrition has an impressive 2020 Impact Factor of 6.576, making it one of the world’s most credible authorities on nutrition.

In short, through an intensive, extremely thorough vetting and review process by some of the world’s best scientists and scholars. Frontiers takes its role seriously, taking into account the potential, wide-reaching implications of published research—both on future bodies of knowledge, and on the shaping of society as a whole. Superficial or light reviews aren’t part of the evaluation process; only research that has been certified by peers, and passes the most rigorous and unbiased reviews, makes it through.

Frontiers has several procedures and models in place in order to ensure the quality of published research articles at every step of the way, including an editorial board of leading and established members of the research community; associate editors; independent review stages; interactive review stages; post-publication stages; and rules that safeguard against financial conflicts of interest. The decision to accept an article must be unanimous among all reviewers—and, in the name of transparency, the names of all editors and reviewers are disclosed on the article to encourage accountability and in-depth analysis.

Get up to speed. First time you’re hearing about our clinical trial journey? Learn all about the study design and the results.