Maca
A Peruvian root traditionally used for energy, libido, and vitality.
Want to try Maca?
See our pick — chosen for form and dose — in our professional dispensary. Please read Safety & interactions first.
Buy on Fullscript →You'll create a free Fullscript account and check out through our professional dispensary — 20% off retail.
We may earn a commission on Fullscript purchases, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate Disclosure
What it is
Maca is a root vegetable from the Andes, consumed as food and as a supplement. It's traditionally used as an energizing tonic.
How it works
Maca is an Andean root eaten as a food and used as an energizing tonic. Its mechanisms aren't well defined, but it's traditionally associated with libido, energy, and vitality — importantly, it doesn't contain or act like hormones.
What it's been studied for
Taken to support energy, libido, and, for some, menopausal well-being.
What the evidence shows
Some small studies suggest maca may support libido and well-being, but trials are small and preliminary. Consider it promising but not firmly established.
Who should consider it
It's used to support energy, libido, and menopausal well-being. Evidence is limited and preliminary, so it's a reasonable low-risk trial with modest expectations. People with thyroid concerns may want caution, since it's a cruciferous plant.
Amounts commonly studied
Studies commonly use around 1.5-3 g per day of maca powder or extract.
How to take it
Studies commonly use 1.5-3 g per day of powder or extract. It has a nutty flavor and mixes into food. Red, yellow, and black varieties are marketed for different purposes.
Forms & absorption
Powder (nutty flavor) or capsules; red, yellow, and black varieties are marketed for different purposes.
Food sources
Maca root is itself a food in the Andes, consumed as flour or powder.
Safety & interactions
Generally well tolerated as a food-based supplement. Those with thyroid conditions may want caution, as maca is a cruciferous plant.
Myths & what it won't do
Myth: maca balances your hormones. Reality: it doesn't contain hormones and doesn't act on them the way marketing implies. Myth: it's a proven libido cure. Reality: small studies are suggestive but far from conclusive.
Common questions
- Does maca affect hormones?
- It doesn't contain hormones or act like them. Any benefit for libido or energy works through other, less-defined pathways.
- Does it boost libido?
- Some small studies suggest a benefit, but the evidence is limited and preliminary.
- Which color should I choose?
- Red, yellow, and black are marketed for different aims, but the differences aren't well established — any is a reasonable trial.
The amounts listed here are what published research has used — not a prescription or a recommended dose for you. Confirm anything you plan to take with your own healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.
Related goals
Research on Maca
Recommendations on this page are informed by published research. This is educational information, not medical advice.
- Shin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44. View study →Note: Found limited evidence suggestive of a benefit for sexual function, but the trials were few and small.