Quick answer: What is maca good for? Maca is a Peruvian root used as a food and as a supplement, and studies on maca root benefits for men are small and mixed. This guide explains what research has looked at, how maca for men is commonly used and what safety points to know. It is general information, not medical advice.
What Is Maca Root?
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable that grows at high altitude in the Andes of Peru. It has been eaten there for centuries and is sold today as a powder, in capsules and in food products. It comes in several colours, most commonly yellow, red and black.
How Maca Is Traditionally Used
In the Andes, maca is eaten as a food, often roasted or cooked into drinks and porridge. In herbal traditions it has a long history of use by both men and women. Traditional use is not the same as scientific proof, and nothing in this article should be read as a claim that maca produces a particular effect.
What Does the Research Say?
Researchers have studied maca in small human trials looking at areas such as mood, energy and sexual wellbeing, and in some studies on semen quality. These trials are generally small, short and use different products and amounts, so their results are hard to compare. Some report differences from placebo, others do not, and several reviews describe the overall evidence as limited. Large, well-designed trials are still lacking.
Research that looked at hormones has generally not found that maca changes testosterone levels. If you are worried about your hormone levels or any health concern, a doctor can arrange testing and advise you. Our guide to hormone imbalance testing explains what such tests involve.
If you are interested in the published literature, a general overview is available from Medical News Today.
Types of Maca
Yellow maca is the most common type. Red and black maca are less common and are often sold at higher prices. Some studies have used particular colours, but there is not enough evidence to say that one type is better than another for any purpose. Maca is also sold raw or gelatinized. Gelatinized maca has had its starch removed by heating, which makes it easier to digest for some people.
How Maca Is Usually Taken
Maca is commonly taken as a powder mixed into smoothies, oats or drinks, or as capsules. Amounts used in studies have varied widely, so there is no single recommended dose. If you take a supplement, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. People often start with a smaller amount to see how they tolerate it.
Safety and Things to Know
Maca is generally considered safe as a food, and side effects reported in studies are usually mild, such as stomach upset, bloating or trouble sleeping. Less is known about long-term supplement use. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using maca if you:
- are taking prescription medication, including blood pressure or hormone-related medication
- have a thyroid condition, since maca contains compounds that may affect thyroid function in some people
- have a heart condition or another medical problem
- are under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding
Supplements are not a replacement for medical care. Anyone who has concerns about sexual health, fertility, energy or mood should speak to a doctor. If a couple has been trying to conceive for a year, a fertility specialist is the right next step. Our guide to sperm testing explains what a semen analysis involves.
Maca and ErecteMax
ErecteMax Herbal Supplement Capsules for Men contain maca root (85 mg per capsule) together with saw palmetto (45 mg) and tribulus terrestris (45 mg). ErecteMax is not licensed by Health Canada, has no NPN and makes no health claims. The full label is on our ingredient safety page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is maca root?
A root vegetable from the Peruvian Andes that is eaten as food and sold as a supplement.
Does maca change testosterone?
Studies that measured hormones have generally not found a change in testosterone.
How long does maca take to work?
There is no established timeline. Studies have run for several weeks to months, and results vary or are absent.
Which type of maca is best?
There is not enough evidence to name a best type. Yellow is the most common and widely available.
Can I take maca with medication?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist first, particularly if you take prescription medication of any kind.
Medical disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified health professional. ErecteMax is a herbal supplement, not a medicine. It does not hold a Natural Product Number (NPN) or any product licence from Health Canada, and no claims are made that it treats, prevents or improves any condition. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement or treatment, especially if you take prescription medication, have a heart condition or are being treated for another medical problem. Read our full medical disclaimer.