Best Maca Root Powder & Capsules Today [2020]

Maca (Lepidium mevenii) is a plant belonging to the broccoli family and the root resembles a turnip. Cultivation of this plant began in the Andean region of central Peru.

Based on the color of the root, it can be of four different types: yellow, red, pink and black.  [1]

Maca has been conventionally used as an aphrodisiac and has been used by men to enhance sperm production.

It improves the mood by having an anxiolytic effect and also improves sexual function in post-menopausal women. [2]

This supplement can be used by females with hormonal and menstrual problems as well as men with erectile dysfunction.

It is particularly effective for women struggling with the symptoms associated with the onset of menopause. [3]

During pregnancy and lactation, it is best to avoid using to prevent any complications. In patients with hormone-sensitive conditions like endometriosis, it is best to avoid the supplement as it may worsen the condition. [4]

How Maca works -  Pharmacology

The pharmacological action of maca depends on the alkaloids present in it. It is rich in fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids.

It also contains amino acids, the most predominant being glutamic acid, arginine, aspartic acid, and valine. Maca has secondary metabolites like macaridine, macaene, and stigmasterol.

While the exact pharmacology is not completely known, the supplement affects the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain. [5][6]

Top Maca Powder and Supplements Compared

Here is a quick comparison of top maca capsules and powder brand -

Reviews of the Best Maca Supplements

Here are the Reviews of the Best Maca Supplements available in the Market

Organic Souls Maca Powder

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Organic Souls is a superfood company that was founded by an Irishman, Richard Moriarty in 2004.

The brand not only aims to provide top grade superfoods but to also make a global impact by facilitating healthy lifestyle habits.

Maca powder is the dietary supplement of the hour. And Organic Souls maca powder is the purest, most digestible form of maca the market has to offer.

Packed with nutritious vitamins, minerals, and sterols, this supplement holds a lot of health benefits.

It increases fertility, balances hormones, reduces stress and boosts energy levels, allowing you to get more done with your day.

Free of kosher, gluten or other harmful substances, Organic souls maca is the go-to choice for anyone looking for a fresh, well-sourced, all-natural maca powder.

It is suitable for vegans and can be added to juices, smoothies or soups.

Pros and Cons

Healthworks Raw Organic Maca Powder

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Born out of the realization that a healthy diet does matter, Healthworks brings you nutrient-rich superfoods at a price that you can afford.

The Arizona-based brand is on a mission to help you achieve greater health and vitality.

This raw and non-gelatinized maca powder from Healthworks is a great addition to a healthy diet.

It is very rich in nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, etc. The benefits of this nutritional supplement cannot be described in few words, from reducing stress to boosting energy levels to enhancing fertility, among others.

Devoid of gluten, dairy, and other harmful substances, Healthworks maca powder is all-natural, non-GMO and vegan-friendly.

It has a nutty or malty flavor, which can be a bit overwhelming. Adding it to smoothies or juices will help soften the taste and ease the strong flavor.

Unsatisfied customers can also get a replacement or full refund within 30 days of purchase.

Key constituents of the supplements – 

Pros and Cons

Terrasoul Organic Gelatinized Maca Powder

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Established in Texas in 2013, Terrasoul is one of the top suppliers of organic, high-performance superfoods in the United States.

The company works hands-in-hard with organic farmers to ensure that consumers receive high-quality products at affordable prices.

Terrasoul maca powder is the go-to supplement for that burst in energy levels, improved mood, good hormonal balance, and better health in general.

It is available in its most concentrated, gelatinized form for easy digestion and absorption.

This dietary supplement is organic in every sense of the word – gluten-free, non-GMO and USDA-certified.

With a nutty and malty flavor, Terrasoul maca powder is a delicious addition to smoothies, coffee, soups, desserts, etc.

Key constituents of the supplements – 

Pros and Cons

Peruvian Naturals Maca Tablet

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Peruvian Naturals is a major supplier of herbal supplements and natural superfoods in the US.

It was set up by a young American entrepreneur, Collins Post, with the aim of bringing Peru’s exotic herbs and foods to the world.

Hate the not-so-pleasant taste of maca but still want to enjoy the benefits? Peruvian Naturals maca tablet is the way to go.

Each tablet contains 800 mg of the raw maca powder, allowing you to meet the recommended daily allowance (1500mg) with just two pills.

Supplementing your diet with maca tablet can benefit your body in a number of ways, such as improving sexual health, boosting energy levels, preventing hormonal imbalance, raising mood and so on.

It is gelatinized, so it is easy to digest and absorb by the body.

Key constituents of the supplements – 

Pros and Cons

Bulksupplements Maca Root Extract Capsules

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With a portfolio of more than 400 products, Bulksupplements is one of the largest suppliers of herbs and natural supplements in the United States and all over the world.

The company’s head office is strategically located Henderson, Nevada.

The Bulksupplements maca capsule is a must-have for any health-conscious individual.

This capsule is very rich in nutrients, which help balance hormonal level, improve mental clarity, promote sexual health while taking the energy levels a step beyond.

It contains no anti-caking agents like calcium silicate, mannitol, etc.

This dietary supplement is tested in the lab for purity, safety, and efficacy. Use 1000 mg three times a day to obtain the desired result.

Pros and Cons

Herbal Secrets Organic Maca Powder

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Herbal Secrets brings you the gifts of mother nature in their purest form.

The American company has a growing portfolio of over 100 products that are made with well-sourced, organically grown herbs.

This dietary supplement is derived from the part of the maca plant where the nutrients are most concentrated, the roots.

Also called Peruvian ginseng, maca is highly prized for its several health benefits.

It is abundant in essential nutrients like vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and phytosterols, which improve reproductive health, support hormonal balance, increase natural energy, just to mention a few.

The powder is devoid of fillers, additives or other potentially harmful substances.

It is made in the US according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and guaranteed for purity and potency.

Key constituents of the supplements – 

Pros and Cons

Superior Labs Organic Maca Capsules

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Superior Labs is a US-based supplement brand with an obsession for quality. The company ensures that none of its products contains harmful chemicals that can pose a great risk to consumers’ health.

Superior Labs produces a high dose maca supplement which offers 700 mg per capsule. This nutritious supplement is potent, safe and 100% pure, containing zero additives or fillers.

Maca has a positive effect on mood, sleep, stress, sexual health, and natural energy.

It is made with organic non-GMO maca from Peru and is tested for purity, potency, and safety.

Key constituents of the supplements – 

Pros and Cons

The Organique Co. Black Maca Powder

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The Organique Co. is a superfood brand founded by health-conscious people just like you.

The American company specializes in the manufacturing of organic, nutrient-packed supplements with no unwanted, harmful chemicals.

Made from rare black maca roots, this powder is one of the best dietary supplements on the market.

It contains high amounts of phytonutrients, such as sterols, vitamins, minerals, among others.

Black maca powder has several health benefits, like relieving stress, increasing libido, energy, and stamina, etc.

This superfood is organic, non-GMO and free of gluten, harmful additives or preservatives.

It comes with a nutty butterscotch flavor, making it a great addition to smoothies, coffee, juices, and the likes.

Pros and Cons

The Maca Team Organic Red Maca powder

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Unlike do-it-all supplement brands, The Maca Team focused all their attention on maca. The company is a major producer and supplier of various kinds of maca products.

This is the most-sought-after variety of maca powder around. It is obtained from fresh, non-GMO, red roots of maca plant grown on Peruvian Andes.

According to research, it is the best maca supplement for improving female fertility, increasing libido, and enhancing sexual health in general.

It also helps protect bone structures while giving the energy levels a boost.

Red maca powder is loaded with several essentials nutrients like fibers, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and phytosterols.

And the lack of artificial additives and chemicals makes it an excellent addition to any type of diet, be it vegan, vegetarian, etc.

Pros and Cons

Health Benefits of Maca

The major health benefits of maca fall in the area of sexual health. It helps in increasing libido and reduces erectile dysfunction in men. It also reduces the symptoms associated with menopause and can reduce sexual dysfunction in post-menopausal women. Due to its flavonoid content, maca also has an anxiolytic effect and can reduce anxiety and depression.

1. Maca helps in Increasing Libido

One of the most well-studied benefits of maca is that it helps in increasing libido i.e. sexual drive. Maca acts in a manner that helps in building up the libido upon administering repeated doses. However, maca does not exert this effect by influencing the levels of sex hormones.

Confidence Level: High

A study at Douglas Hospital, Canada, showed that athletes who consumed maca extract for 2 weeks reported higher scores on the sexual rating scale. [7]

A 2002 Peruvian study showed that healthy men who consumed maca for 12 weeks reported a significant increase (42.2%) in libido as compared to those in the placebo group. [8]

A 2007 experimental study at the University of North Carolina showed that rats fed on a diet of maca extracts recorded improved sex drives after a week of treatment. [9]

2. Maca works to Reduce Erectile Dysfunction

(ED)Maca has been shown to benefit men with erectile dysfunction (ED), mostly because it boosts sexual performance. Studies have shown that supplementation with maca has helped men retain their erections for longer time periods and reduce the symptoms of ED. This is directly in line with its libido enhancing properties.

Confidence Level: High

A 2009 Italian study showed that men with mild ED responded well to supplementation with maca extracts.

In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial it was seen that maca (2.4g/day) significantly improved the scores on the IIEF-5, which is a rating scale for erectile dysfunction as compared to the placebo. [10]

The study comprised Caucasian males who suffered from mild impotence and they all recorded improved sexual well-being after treatment with maca root extracts.

3. Maca helps in reducing Symptoms of Menopause

As maca has shown remarkable effects on sexual well-being, studies have also shown it helps with reducing the troubling symptoms associated with the onset of menopause. In fact, regular consumption of maca root extract has been found to reduce night sweats and hot flashes in post-menopausal women.

Confidence Level: High

A 2006 randomized, double-blind study showed that maca helped in reducing post-menopausal discomfort, without affecting hormone levels. [11]

A 2008 study published in the journal Menopause has shown that intake of maca extract has been associated with the reduction of sexual dysfunction in post-menopausal women.

The symptoms usually begin before menopause and are likely due to the fluctuating hormonal levels, particularly that of estrogen. [12]

4. Maca helps in Improving Sexual Function

Studies have shown that the libido-enhancing activity of maca might also help in improving the sexual function of an individual. Maca supplements often help in reducing sexual dysfunction that is often associated with prescription drugs, particularly in patients with depression and anxiety.

Confidence Level: High

A 2008 double-blind study conducted on post-menopausal women has shown that intake of maca extract improved their overall sexual function. [13]

A 2009 randomized, double-blind controlled study conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital Boston showed that use of maca root helped in reducing sexual dysfunction caused by SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) drugs.

The study conducted on people with mental health issues showed that maca helped in significantly improving their sexual function. [14]

5. Maca has an Anxiolytic Effect

Research has shown that maca contains several flavonoids (polyphenolic compounds) which have been known to reduce anxiety. The anxiolytic effect is particularly more prominent in post-menopausal women and hence, maca supplementation is a good way to lower levels of anxiety.

Confidence Level: High

A 2008 study by Victoria University showed that maca intake reduced the anxiety levels of post-menopausal women without affecting hormones. [15]

This is mostly because the flavonoids present in the maca extract help in promoting relaxation, which helps in reducing anxiety and stress.

The study primarily took it to account the effect on women. However, research is yet to confirm the same results on young healthy men.

6. Maca might help in Improving Fertility

Another common health benefit of using maca supplement is that it boosts overall fertility, particularly in men. According to medical research and fertility studies, maca helps in improving the quality of the seminal fluid as well as improves performance in men.

Confidence Level: Moderate

According to a 2016 Korean review, it was seen that the consumption of maca helps in improving the quality of semen in both fertile and infertile men.

This review took into consideration a randomized clinical trial which showed that maca supplementation improved the mobility of the sperms.

Other studies have shown that maca improves several semen quality parameters in otherwise healthy males. [16]

However, more human studies are yet to be carried out in this field.

7. Maca might help in Improving the Mood

As maca has an anti-anxiety effect, it has been known to improve the mood and uplift the spirits. In fact, studies have indicated that maca supplementation helps in reducing depressive mood disorders and can improve the state of mind of patients with mental health issues such as depression.

Confidence Level: Moderate

Two different studies conducted by researchers at Victoria University have shown the effect of maca supplementation on the mood, particularly in women post-menopause.

While the first study showed that it improved the mood and enhanced sexual drive, the results of the second study clearly established the beneficial maca extract had on the mood by lowering depression and also promoting a healthy blood pressure. [17]

8. Maca may reduce Blood Pressure

Due to the presence of the antioxidative flavonoids, maca extracts may be able to reduce blood pressure. There is some evidence to support this claim and studies have shown that the administration of maca has had a positive effect on people, particularly women, with high blood pressure.

Confidence Level: Moderate

A 2008 toxicological study carried out by Palacky University showed that maca might actually be responsible for a slight increase in blood pressure. [18]

However, later studies have shown the opposite. A 2010 study in Chile has shown that the heat-treated maca extract is capable of lowering the blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. [19]

Another 2015 study showed that maca extract particularly helped in lowering blood pressure in post-menopausal women. [20]

9. Maca and Prostate Hypertrophy

Prostatic hypertrophy or enlarged prostate is quite common in elderly men and, in some cases, might signal cancer or an infection. Maca, particularly red maca, has been known to reduce prostate enlargement. This is mostly due to the presence of the active ingredient, benzyl glucosinolate.

Confidence Level: Low

A 2007 Peruvian experimental study showed that red maca extract helps in reducing benign prostatic hypertrophy without affecting testosterone levels. [21]

Another study carried out by the same institute showed that hydroalcoholic extract of red maca containing benzyl glucosinolate helps in reducing induced prostate enlargement in male rats. [22]

More research needs to be conducted using human subjects over the age of 50 to confirm the benefit of using maca supplement.

10. Maca and Neuroprotection

Several experimental studies have indicated a positive effect of maca supplementation on the nerve cells. Black maca, in particular, acts as a potent neuroprotectant as per animal studies. While major randomized clinical trials are yet to be conducted, the results from the mice models have shown that maca protects the neurons against harmful agents.

Confidence Level: Low

A 2007 Peruvian experimental study showed that aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of black maca protected the nerve cells from scopolamine-induced damage. [23]

A 2010 study in Boston showed that intravenous administration of maca extracts helped in reducing infarction (i.e. decrease in blood supply to an organ/tissue) in the cerebral artery of rats. [24]

A 2011 animal study showed that maca extracts helped in protecting the nervous system from the effects of alcohol. [25]

11. Maca and Exercise Performance

There have been claims made by athletes and sportspersons that maca supplementation improves endurance and energy. While it does boost exercise capacity to a certain level but the results of the scientific studies have yielded no conclusive results which prove the link between maca extracts and endurance capacity.

Confidence Level: Low

A 2009 pilot study conducted by Northumbria University showed that while intake of maca did increase the exercise performance of the cyclists, the result was not significantly better than that of the placebo group. [26]

However, the same study showed that maca extract improved the libido of the participating cyclists.

12. Maca and Sun Damage

As it has antioxidants, there is a notion that maca might reduce the damage caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays. However, most of the studies conducted in this case have been on animal models and hence, more human studies need to be carried out to yield more conclusive results.

Confidence Level: Low

A 2008 animal study carried out at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia showed that administration of maca extract was able to protect the rats from ultraviolet (UV) A-, B-, and C-mediated skin damage. [27]

A 2011 follow-up study by the same university showed that the antioxidative activity of maca helped in reducing the photoreactive oxidative damage caused by high exposure to the sun’s UV-B rays. [28]

13. Maca and Improvement in Memory and Cognition

Most of the studies conducted in this case are animal studies and hence, randomized clinical trials are required to know more about the effect of maca supplementation on memory and other cognitive abilities of healthy humans.

Confidence Level: Low

A 2006 experimental study by the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia showed that administration of maca did enhance the learning and other cognitive abilities of the rats by employing a water-finding task.

It was noted that effect was most pronounced for the black variant. [29]

A 2007 experimental study showed that maca extract improved scopolamine-mediated memory impairment in mice. [30]

A similar animal study in China showed that black maca extract reduced memory impairment caused by ovariectomy. [31]

14. Maca and Bone Metabolism

Maca is often considered to be beneficial for people with osteoporosis wherein the bone mineral density is affected. However, the research behind this notion is quite experimental and conclusive human studies are yet to be conducted.

Confidence Level: Low

In a 2006 experimental study conducted by the Huazhong University of Science & Technology, it was found that the ethanol extract of maca preserved the bone mineral density in ovariectomized female rats.

This model was used to study the effect of maca on postmenopausal osteoporosis. [32]

Dosage

The standard dose for a maca supplement is within the range of 1500mg to 3000mg. The supplement can be had by consuming the root or via an extract.

It should be considered that the extracts should be water or ethyl acetate-based.

This supplement can be taken regularly alongside daily food. This is because maca is conventionally treated as a food product and not a dietary supplement.

The recommended intake for the maca vegetable as per different weight groups are given as follows:

• 10.9-24g for individuals up to 90kg
• 14.5-32g for individuals within a 90-110kg
• 18.1-40g for individuals above 110 kg

Precautions

Maca is presently not associated with any major health risks in most people and is quite unlikely to bring about any dangerous side effects if taken in moderate doses.

However, pregnant and lactating women, as well as breast cancer patients, should refrain from beginning any supplementation course. [33]

Drug Interactions:

Not enough scientific evidence is present about potential interactions of maca with any prescription drugs.

Overdosing:

If higher doses are taken, it might worsen the symptoms, particularly in women.

Existing Bodily Conditions:

It is recommended that people with thyroid-related problems should refrain from using the maca supplement as glucosinolates present in the supplement might cause goiter if combined with a low-iodine diet.

Empty Stomach:

People with a sensitive digestive system should refrain from taking maca on an empty stomach.

Interactions with Hormones:

It does not interact with the circulating hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), or prolactin.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Presently not much is known regarding the effect of maca on pregnant or breastfeeding women and hence, it is best to refrain from consumption.

Cancer Treatment:

In the case of breast cancer patients, caution should be exercised as maca might affect the body in a way that would lessen the efficacy of the hormonal treatments.

FAQs

Final Words

Maca is known to have several health benefits many of them are proven by research.

There are a lot of maca supplement brands available in the market today and thus to ease your buying, here is the list of best maca supplement brands again.

You can click on the links to check the specs, customer reviews, prices and offers on Amazon.

1. Terrasoul Superfoods Maca Powder - Best Overall
2. BulkSupplements Maca - Best in Capsules
3. Superior Labs Organic Peruvian Maca
4. Healthworks Maca Powder
5. Soul Organics Maca Powder
6. Maca Team's Raw Maca Root Powder
7. The Organique Co. Black Maca Root Powder
8. Peruvian Naturals Maca
9. Herbal Secrets Organic Maca