Maca is a root vegetable grown in the mountains of South America. It is used for food and is also used medicinally. It is an active ingredient in
dietary supplements claimed to be useful for a variety of different purposes, especially to enhance fertility and sexual performance.
(Click Benefits of Maca for more information on what the supplement is used for.)
As a plant, maca contains many different compounds and nutrients. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, and fatty acids. It contains a few different
plant sterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may be responsible for many of the medicinal properties. It also contains a significant amount of minerals, such as
calcium, iron, and copper. Maca also contains compounds known as glucosinolates, which may have anti-cancer properties.
It is not clear how exactly maca works for any use, although it has been shown that the substance does not seem to affect testosterone, estrogen, or other similar hormones, at least in healthy men.
Early studies have shown that maca may be useful for stimulating sexual desire in healthy men (although more research is necessary to confirm this finding). It is not clear if it is effective for other uses
(see Does Maca Work? for more information).
There is no established standard dosage, although general guidelines may be obtained from a few clinical studies that evaluated certain uses of the supplement.
At this time, there are no well-established side effects that can be attributed to maca.
(Click Maca Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
A normal consumption of maca (though food) is probably safe for most people. Short-term medicinal use also appears to be safe in many circumstances. However, some people may be more likely to experience problems. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking the substance medicinally if you have:
- Any chronic medical condition
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Is Maca Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose of this supplement. If you think you or someone else may have taken too much maca, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how best to store maca supplements. Keep all medications and supplements out of the reach of children.
