DITTO has raised US$6m in seed funding to expand its menstrual health research platform and evidence-based supplement offering.
Its flagship product, Premenstrual Daily, targets symptoms linked to premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, including fatigue, mood changes and pain.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that can cause significant physical and emotional symptoms.
The supplement contains 10 nutrients, including omega-3, magnesium and saffron.
DITTO said the capsules use time-released beadlet biotechnology and are designed to maximise nutrient absorption.
The company was co-founded by neuroscientist and nutritionist Alice van der Schoot and combines scientific research with nutrition to address the mental and physical effects of the menstrual cycle.
Van der Schoot said: “Too many women are told their concerns are normal, or that they’re being dramatic, and sent away without answers.
“We do the research ourselves, decode the studies explaining what women are dismissed for, and combine neuroscience and nutrition to build products grounded in evidence.
“That’s why our community has grown the way it has – women finally feel heard, are equipped with information to advocate for themselves, and they’ve found something that works.”
Alongside developing supplements, DITTO researches overlooked menstrual health conditions, including the relationship between PMDD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that can affect attention, impulsivity and activity levels.
The company said Premenstrual Daily had completed an initial clinical evaluation, with 88 per cent of participants reporting an improvement in symptoms.
The supplement has since entered a larger trial and a real-world evidence study.
The seed round was led by FoodLabs, with participation from existing investor EKA Ventures.
Flo Breiner, operating partner at FoodLabs, said: “In the market of menstrual health, clinical evidence is becoming the price of entry, and the first company to set that standard is the one everyone else gets measured against.
“With proprietary delivery technology, a community of 300,000 women and a loyal customer base with strong retention, DITTO is that company.”
