Maca root: real benefits, types and how to choose
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I’m going to tell you something I see constantly in the pharmacy: people come in asking for maca root, but they have only a very vague idea of which type to choose and whether it actually works. There’s so much contradictory information online that many end up buying the first thing they see. Today, from a pharmacist’s perspective, I’m going to clear up this chaos.
What is maca root?
Frequently asked questions
How long does maca root take to work?+
In my experience as a pharmacist, maca is not a supplement with an immediate effect. Clinical studies usually run over 6 to 12 weeks of continuous use to observe meaningful improvements in energy, libido or mood. My recommendation is to be consistent for at least 8 weeks before deciding whether it’s working for you or not.
Does maca change hormones or act like a phytoestrogen?+
This is one of the questions I’m asked most often in the pharmacy, and the answer is reassuring: maca does not act as a phytoestrogen and does not directly alter hormone levels. Its mechanism is adaptogenic, meaning it helps the body to rebalance itself indirectly. Even so, if you have a diagnosed hormonal condition, I recommend checking with your doctor before you start.
Can I take maca if I am a woman in menopause?+
Yes, and this is one of the profiles where red maca shows the greatest clinical interest. Several studies have observed fewer hot flushes, improved mood and better overall wellbeing in postmenopausal women. It does not replace hormone therapy if you need it, but it may be an interesting add-on. Always discuss it with your gynaecologist if you are on active treatment.
Is maca compatible with other supplements such as ashwagandha or magnesium?+
In general yes, maca is compatible with most common supplements, including adaptogens such as ashwagandha or minerals such as magnesium. No relevant interactions between them have been described. What I would say is that combining lots of adaptogens at once makes it hard to know which one is actually helping. It’s better to introduce them one by one and assess your response.
References
- Gonzales, G. F. (2012). Ethnobiology and Ethnoparmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 193496. [source]
- National Institutes of Health — Office of Dietary Supplements. (2023). Maca. NIH ODS Botanical Supplement Fact Sheet. [source]
Preguntas frecuentes
Referencias científicas
