An Introduction to Maca Dosage
It is difficult to recommend a safe and effective dosage for maca, a
dietary supplement (made from a root vegetable grown in South America). The best doses for maca have not yet been scientifically established.
With prescription (and non-prescription) medications, researchers establish the most effective and safest doses in special studies, known as dose-range studies. These studies are done early in the development of medications, long before they are ever approved. However, because dietary supplements do not need to be approved by the FDA, dose-range studies are rarely performed. Without such studies, only vague "trial and error" information is typically available.
One study that used maca to stimulate sexual desire in men used a dose of 1500 mg to 3000 mg daily (split up into three smaller doses per day). These doses appeared to be safe and effective, at least for short-term use.
Because different maca supplements may contain different amounts of the active components, it is reasonable to follow the dosing instructions provided on the label of your particular product.
General Maca Dosage Information
Some considerations for people taking maca include:
- Because the manufacturing of supplements (such as maca) is not closely regulated, it is important to choose a trustworthy manufacturer for maca supplements. It is a good idea to look for the "USP" symbol, as this means that the supplement meets certain standards (such as standards for purity).
- If you have any chronic health problems or take any prescription medications, it is probably a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking maca.
- If you are unsure about anything related to maca dosing, please talk with your healthcare provider.
