Maca is a root that may have several benefits when used medicinally, such as stimulating sexual desire. This eMedTV Web article describes possible benefits of maca, covers general safety concerns, and discusses the effectiveness of this supplement.
Maca supplements may be beneficial for people with depression, anemia, or leukemia. This page from the eMedTV Web site describes other potential maca benefits, explains how this supplement works, and discusses whether it is safe for use in children.
There are currently no reported side effects of maca. However, as this eMedTV page explains, the lack of reported maca side effects is likely due to insufficient research. It is possible that maca has side effects that have just not been reported.
Maca supposedly has several medicinal benefits, but many people may wonder, "Does maca work?" This eMedTV Web article explores the effectiveness of maca for various uses, such as improving sexual desire in men and treating high cholesterol.
An effective and safe maca dosage has not been established at this time. This page of the eMedTV site provides the maca doses that were used in some studies of the supplement, and offers tips for finding a trustworthy manufacturer for maca supplements.
There are currently no known drug interactions with maca. However, as this eMedTV page explains, there has not been any research done specifically on possible maca drug interactions. This page also covers when an interaction with maca might be possible.
You may not be able to take maca safely if you have certain conditions, such as liver or kidney disease. This eMedTV article provides other maca safety warnings and precautions, and explains how to find a trustworthy manufacturer for maca supplements.
The effects of a maca overdose will vary based on how much of it was taken and the source of the maca. This eMedTV Web page explores other effects of a maca overdose and describes possible treatment options, such as providing supportive care.
It may not be safe for pregnant women to use maca supplements. This portion of the eMedTV archives provides more information on maca and pregnancy, and discusses why a normal intake of maca through food is typically considered safe for pregnant women.
There is no information available about the use of maca in breastfeeding women. This eMedTV page takes a closer look at maca and breastfeeding, and explains why a supplement derived from a "natural" source may not be safe to take while nursing a child.
