Maca Supplements: Benefits, Dosage and Safety

Summary

Maca supplements come from a Peruvian root vegetable and are marketed for libido and energy. A systematic review found limited evidence from small trials that maca may modestly improve sexual desire. Larger, better studies are needed.

Evidence at a glance

UseGradeWhat the research shows
Sexual desireCSmall trials suggest modest effects.

A: strong, consistent human evidence ยท B: moderate ยท C: limited or mixed ยท D: good evidence of no benefit.

Maca grows in the high Andes and has been eaten as a food for centuries.

How to take it

Studies used 1.5โ€“3 g of maca powder daily for several weeks. See libido supplements.

Safety and interactions

Generally safe as a food; long-term supplement safety is less studied.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about the supplements you take. Check combinations with our interaction checker.

Sources

  1. Shin BC et al. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010

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