Maca explained: what it is and side effects
Maca comes from a perennial plant cultivated high in the Andes mountains and is also called Peruvian ginseng. It is derived from the roots of Lepidium meyenii, whose main edible part is an underground tuber similar to a radish or turnip. Three products we reviewed list maca, and none prints its individual amount: each includes it in a 200 mg proprietary blend.
- What it is
- Plant
- Amounts the NIH names
- Daily maca doses range from 500 to 3000 mg, depending on the preparation and intended use.
- In the products we reviewed
- 3, none prints the amount
What maca is
- Maca is derived from the roots of Lepidium meyenii.1
- Maca comes from a perennial plant cultivated at high altitudes in the Andes mountains.1
- Maca is also called Peruvian ginseng and belongs to the mustard family.1
- The main edible part of maca is an underground tuber similar to a radish or turnip that can be white, black or red.1
- Maca contains mainly carbohydrates and protein and is an excellent source of essential amino acids, iron and calcium.1
- Maca preparations include capsules, tablets, liquid and root extract.1
How much maca each product gives
NIH: 500 mg to 3,000 mg per dose
Amount not printed: the dashed line shows the most it can be, the whole blend
Before you take it
Side effects
- Maca side effects are uncommon and mild and mostly include digestive symptoms and headaches.1
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. A supplement is not a medicine.
The 3 products we reviewed that list maca
| Product | Form and serving | Maca per serving | Our score | Price a bottle | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 GlucoTonic#1 in blood sugar support | Liquid drops1 ml | Not printedIn a 200 mg proprietary blend | 9.9 | $49 | Check price |
 Sugar Defender#3 in blood sugar support | Liquid drops1 ml | Not printedIn a 200 mg proprietary blend | 9.5 | $49 | Check price |
 Glyco Harmony#5 in blood sugar support | Liquid drops1 ml | Not printedIn a 200 mg proprietary blend | 9.3 | $49 | Check price |
Questions people ask
What is maca root?
Maca root comes from Lepidium meyenii, a plant in the mustard family cultivated at high altitudes in the Andes mountains. Its main edible part is an underground tuber that can be white, black or red. The NIH says maca contains mainly carbohydrates and protein and is an excellent source of essential amino acids, iron and calcium.
Does maca root come in capsules or drops?
Yes, maca preparations include capsules, tablets, liquid and root extract. The three products we reviewed that list maca are liquid drops.
How much maca root should I take per day?
500 to 3000 mg a day is the maca dose range the NIH names, depending on the preparation and intended use. Ask a clinician before adding maca.
What are the side effects of maca root?
Maca side effects are uncommon and mild, mostly digestive symptoms and headaches. Ask a clinician before adding maca.
Which products we reviewed contain maca root, and how much?
GlucoTonic, Sugar Defender and Glyco Harmony all list maca. Each includes it in a 200 mg proprietary blend per 1 ml serving, but none prints the individual maca amount. The 200 mg figure is for the blend, not maca alone.
Also in these products
Sources
The products, amounts and prices come from each product's label and checkout, as its review shows them. AI drafts our pages from listed sources, figures are checked against them, and we have not tried the products.
- 1NIH LiverTox, Macancbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookschecked