Home » Reviews » Herbs » Maca Review

Maca Review – Is it Effective?

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Synopsis | Ingredients | Pros & Cons | Cautions | Cost | How To Take | Verdict

Available in the form of 1000 mg capsules, Maca is advertised as a whole food supplement based on the wonderful properties of the Peru originated Maca plant. The formula is manufactured by Alfa Vitamins Laboratories, a company established in the United States (Miami, state of Florida). Alfa Vitamins enjoys a fairly good reputation as a high standards manufacturer of dietary supplements, in a variety of forms and for a large number of conditions.

The company distributes the Alfa Vitamin brand, the most popular line of products offered by the company, which comprises products such as immune system boosters, fitness supplements, vitamins and minerals based supplementation, weight control products, or skin care products, all commercialized under the much trusted Alfa vitamins trademark.Additionally, the manufacturing company offers comprehensive private labeling services that comprise all stages, from research, to naming and labeling, to production.

Maca is not detailed on the manufacturing website, and no information regarding the origin of the core ingredient or specific benefits are disclosed. The formula is however advertised as an ideal dietary supplement for adults who wish to increase energy levels, to boost sexual performance as well as a number of indicators of mental performance.

Synopsis

1) Maca at a Glance

Maca is a plant native to Peru, used for many centuries as a nutrient-dense food able to provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals. Maca contains a 1000 mg concentration of active substances. The good news is that there were no side effects or consumption of this plant. The sometimes called “the superfood of the Incas,” Maca has been touted for positive effects in case of premenstrual syndrome, fatigue, and exhaustion (used in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), enhancing sexual function (due to its hormone production promotion properties), and boosting mental function in terms of attention and memory most frequently.

Maca has enjoyed a boom in publicity at the beginning of the 21st century, with sales increasing tenfold over the past decade.Other benefits usually associated with the plant include such conditions as AIDS, depression, osteoporosis, ulcers, prostate problems, and mood swings. Its adaptogenic properties are also well-praised, with applicability in the management of stress, irrespective of its nature. Maca is also believed to have antioxidant properties, making it an effective way to combat free radical activity and hence protect from a number of aging associated side effects.

Ingredients

2) Details on Maca Ingredients and Uses

Maca contains the following ingredients: Organic Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon root.

Maca is also a popular ingredient choice for energy boosters like Irwin Naturals Ginza-Plus.

3) What Does Maca Do?

Praised for its nutrient-rich components, Maca Root has been an inspiration for the food supplements creators for several decades now, this supplement being one of the many formulas that advertise the Maca root as the core ingredient.

Referenced as a superfood, Maca is most commonly credited to boost energy levels and enhance sexual function. The plant’s nutritional configuration includes a broad spectrum of vitamins including some of the B Vitamins, and Vitamin C, enzymes, minerals including Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, and essential amino acids. Maca is also considered one of the best sources of vegetarian B12. The plant can balance hormones through providing nourishment to the pituitary glands and the hypothalamus.

Maca is used on a large scale as a dietary supplement, but research is in its incipient research with a small number of scientific papers referencing the Maca root. Most clinical trials have been conducted on animals and results are either inconclusive or controversial. It has been used as an aphrodisiac and a testosterone booster, and it has been featured in various treatment schemes for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, anxiety disorders such as social anxiety or GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), PMS symptoms, wound treatment, and nervous system problems that affect memory, alertness, and concentration capacity.

There are no testimonials posted online about this supplement; therefore, it is difficult at this point to assess the formula’s Effectiveness. The daily recommended dosage is two capsules. No special precautions, potential drug interactions or side effects of Maca are mentioned on the label or official website.

Pros & Cons

4) Maca: Pros and Cons

  • The Maca extract is a natural herbal extract
  • The supplement is designed to offer complete nutritional support and the Maca plant has a high content of nutrients
  • Maca is generally side effects free
Cautions

5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Maca

  • There is limited research on the Maca Root, regarding its effectiveness and benefits
  • The formula has not been reviewed by consumers
  • The manufacturer offers little information on the origin of the core ingredient
Cost

6) Maca Cost

This supplement comes in the form of capsules. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, the equivalent of a month’s supply. The price for a bottle is relatively low, just as many herbal supplements that feature Maca root are. The formula’s price affordability makes it a great choice among customers. Unopened bottles may be sent back to the manufacturing company in return for a full refund of the acquisition price. In all other cases (used formulas or tampered with bottles), supplements are to be returned in exchange for only a percentage of the purchase price, a a quota which can be inquired with the manufacturer.

How To Take

7) How to Take Maca

The manufacturer recommends taking 2 capsules of Maca per day; however, a clear daily dosage has not yet been established.

Verdict

8) Our Final Take On Maca

Herbal remedies have gain increasing popularity over the past years, as scientific research conducted began to confirm their benefits. The lower number and severity of side effects is also a big plus when considering an alternative treatment. The Maca Root is not only able to alleviate symptoms of certain conditions, but is an excellent nutrient sources, including Vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function on a day to day basis. Maca bears little differentiation from other products featuring this ingredient. But although the consumer is given little reason to chose this formula over others, it is nonetheless a formula that has high chances of properly delivering the properties associated with Maca.

4/5 - (2 votes)
Subscribe
Notify of
2 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Cleo

I find this somewhat useful for my low libido and low sexual activity over the past months. I’m trusting it to make me want to live again and enjoy life more with my spouse.

Flory

There are few supplements that make me feel like Maca does. The energy, the clear mind and the capacity I have to focus are really not measured up by anything I’ve ever taken before.