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Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant species found in the Peruvian Andes mountains. The roots of this plant are known to be adaptogenic and nutrient-dense with protein, minerals, natural fibers, and vitamins. As a result of these nutritional values, the demand for maca root supplements has increased over the past two decades [1]. Maca dietary supplements are mainly marketed to boost energy or stamina levels and promote sexual health.
In 2005, an experimental, prospective and comparative study was conducted to determine the effect of fresh maca on the physical performance of athletes. A total of 10 athletes were supplied with fresh maca for 60 days. Moreover, the athletes consistently demonstrated increased maximum oxygen consumption and positive physical performance [2].
On the other hand, sexual dysfunction or low libido is also a concerning issue for men and women. Maca root supplements can also increase sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction, post-menopausal women, or otherwise healthy individuals [3]. Most of these trials did not report any supplement side effects in participants.
That being so, it is thought that root supplements may bring valuable benefits with mild to no side effects. Let’s discuss the best six maca root supplements you can try today!
Quick Summary
Best For Powder Formulation: Apothékary Maca Powder
Great For Potency: Superior Labs Peruvian Maca
Best For Cost-Effective: NOW Foods Maca Capsules
| Product Name | Maca Content (mg) | Price / Amount | Directions Of Use |
| Apothékary Maca Powder | ~ $18/30 grams | Add 1 teaspoon of maca powder to a creamy smoothie or your morning brew. | |
| Superior Labs Peruvian Maca | 750 | ~ $21/120 capsules | Take 1 capsule up to 3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Best when taken with a meal. |
| Microingredients Organic Maca Powder | ~$23/454 grams | Take 1 full scoop daily with or between meals by adding it to a shake or smoothie. | |
| California Gold Nutrition Peruvian Maca | 500 | ~$16/240 capsules | Take 1 capsule daily, with or without food. |
| Double Wood Maca Root | 500 | ~$20/300 capsules | Take 2-4 capsules per day on an empty stomach. |
| NOW Foods Maca Capsules | 500 | ~$12/250 capsules | Take 1 capsule, 1-3 times daily. |
6 Best Maca Supplements 2023
Apothékary Maca Powder
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $18/30 grams
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Add 1 teaspoon of maca powder to a creamy smoothie or your morning brew.
Pros
- More than a hundred verified 5-stars review
- 93% of customers see results within the first three weeks
- Safe for use during breastfeeding
- USDA Organic Certified and non-GMO.
Cons
- No information on maca content and ingredient list
Apothékary is the world’s first plant-based supplement and nutrition brand that focuses on treating the root cause of health issues. Their products balance the mind, body, and soul through plant-based nutrition. The herbs and ingredients in all Apothékary products are ethically sourced for at least 12-months before launching from various parts of the world.
“Love this product!!!! There weren’t spikes and dips that you get from coffee/caffeine/sugar. Love the natural lift!”
Furthermore, Apothékary Maca Powder is marketed to boost energy, sexual libido, and mood. It has a mildly sweet and creamy flavor. Moreover, this supplement contains no fillers, chemicals, or additives.
Superior Labs Peruvian Maca
MACA CONTENT (mg)
750
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $21/120 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take 1 capsule up to 3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Best when taken with a meal.
Pros
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients such as magnesium stearate or dioxides
- Developed and manufactured in an FDA-registered and GMP compliant facility
Cons
- There are some complaints of mild stomach ache after consumption
This product has an outstanding 4.7 stars rating from over 700 verified customers. Superior Labs Peruvian Maca supplement can help to boost your energy, maintain muscle mass and uphold libido naturally. This vitamin is encapsulated in vegetable capsules, making it easier to swallow orally. Furthermore, this product is tested and cleared for harmful heavy metals such as lead.
Microingredients Organic Maca Powder
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~$23/454 grams
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take 1 full scoop daily with or between meals by adding it to a shake or smoothie.
Pros
- Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Free of allergens such as soy, yeast, dairy, and corn
- Comes in eco-friendly and recyclable packaging
Cons
- Only comes in one package size
Maca root supplements in powder formulation facilitate quicker absorption, and it’s more gentle on the stomach. This means that you can experience the benefits of it without worrying about potential side effects such as stomach aches or cramps.
Additionally, their recyclable packages help to eliminate up to 90% of plastic bottle use. Every packet of Microingredients Organic Maca Powder also comes with a free scoop spoon to ensure accurate and easy measurement.
California Gold Nutrition Peruvian Maca
MACA CONTENT (mg)
500
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~$16/240 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take 1 capsule daily, with or without food.
Pros
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Gluten-free and Kosher
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Capsules (~1 inch) may be difficult to swallow
The California Gold Nutrition Peruvian Maca supplements help support sexual health and boost energy and overall well-being for both men and women. It’s free from allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts. This product also has Halal and Kosher certification from the authority. Other than that, their third-party testing process ensures safe, unadulterated, and standard quality of products.
Double Wood Maca Root
MACA CONTENT (mg)
500
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~$20/300 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take 2-4 capsules per day on an empty stomach.
Pros
- Vegan
- Manufactured and tested for purity and potency in the USA
- Gluten-free
Cons
- May cause gastrointestinal discomfort
Double Woods is a USA-based supplement company that focuses on bringing quality products to the market. Moreover, the Double Wood Maca Root supplement is often recommended for fatigue reduction and natural libido support. This dietary supplement is generally well-tolerated. Besides, this brand’s value of transparency and honesty is accentuated by the open access of their certificate of analysis and third-party test results to consumers.
NOW Foods Maca Capsules
MACA CONTENT (mg)
500
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~$12/250 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take 1 capsule, 1-3 times daily.
Pros
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Non-GMO
- Affordable
Cons
- There are some complaints of headaches and mild drowsiness
These vegetable capsules are one of the most affordable options for maca root supplements available on the market. Nevertheless, the quality and efficacy of NOW Foods Maca Capsules are still on par with other high-end brands of maca supplements.
This product is reviewed to help increase testosterone levels, sex drive, and day-to-day energy levels for both men and women. However, these capsules contain naturally-occurring magnesium stearate that might be unsuitable for some people.
How to Choose the Best Maca Supplements
The following points may help you in picking the most suitable maca supplement for yourself:-
- Quality assurance: Try to purchase any maca supplement from a company that has previous user reviews or an established track record. Third-party testing and certificates of analysis may also help with certifying the product’s quality.
- Supplement form: If you do not enjoy swallowing capsules, the powder form of maca may be more suitable. However, some users notice stronger scents and taste with the powder form of maca, so you may have to mix it with your favorite beverage or food in order to mask any unpleasant taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does it do to the female body?
Maca dietary supplements can help relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, insomnia, or mood changes [4]. Though there’s limited evidence supporting these claims, some research shows that it helps the body produce estrogen and progesterone while lowering cortisol, a stress-hormones. As a result, the female body falls into a state of hormonal balance and relieves troublesome menopausal symptoms [5].
What does it do to hormones?
The effects of it on hormone levels are poorly understood and understudied. In general, the maca root is also thought to promote hormonal balance, resulting in improved biological functions [6].
Can it cause weight gain?
It is not found to influence body weight or appetite directly. However, your energy level and motivation could increase when consuming it. As a result of increased energy expenditure, you may eat bigger portions of food. You could also gain more muscle mass by exercising and consuming maca roots regularly for the long term [7].
Is it safe?
Yes. It is a safe and non-toxic dietary supplement when consumed in recommended amounts. However, common supplement side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort and sleep disturbances (when taken in late evenings). Nonetheless, you should speak with your healthcare providers before taking supplements.
Is 1000 mg enough?
Yes. The effective recommended dosage of this supplement in most clinical studies is 2,000 mg to 3,500 mg per day. However, starting at a lower dose of 1000mg for your body to get used to it is acceptable, too [8].
Bottomline: Best Maca Supplements
Maca roots are natural adaptogens that offer various medicinal benefits to the human body. Although this type of supplement has many purported benefits, there is little scientific evidence to back up claims on their effectiveness. Nevertheless, this type of root supplement is safe to consume and may positively impact some aspects of your sexual health, energy levels, and mood.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at no extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- da Silva Leitão Peres, N., Cabrera Parra Bortoluzzi, L., Medeiros Marques, L. L., Formigoni, M., Fuchs, R. H. B., Droval, A. A., & Reitz Cardoso, F. A. (2020). Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review. Food &Amp; Function, 11(1), 83–92. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9fo02732g
- Shin, B. C., Lee, M. S., Yang, E. J., Lim, H. S., & Ernst, E. (2010). Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 10, 44. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-44
- Lee, M. S., Shin, B. C., Yang, E. J., Lim, H. J., & Ernst, E. (2011). Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Maturitas, 70(3), 227–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.07.017
- Meissner, H. O., Mrozikiewicz, P., Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska, T., Mscisz, A., Kedzia, B., Lowicka, A., Reich-Bilinska, H., Kapczynski, W., & Barchia, I. (2006). Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (I) Biochemical and Pharmacodynamic Study on Maca using Clinical Laboratory Model on Ovariectomized Rats. International journal of biomedical science : IJBS, 2(3), 260–272.
- Gonzales-Arimborgo, C., Yupanqui, I., Montero, E., Alarcón-Yaquetto, D. E., Zevallos-Concha, A., Caballero, L., Gasco, M., Zhao, J., Khan, I. A., & Gonzales, G. F. (2016). Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 9(3), 49. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph9030049
- Shin, B. C., Lee, M. S., Yang, E. J., Lim, H. S., & Ernst, E. (2010). Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 10, 44. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-44