Skip to main content
SupplementScience

Maca Root Side Effects & Safety

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Mild digestive upset with raw maca powder (gelatinized form is better tolerated)
  • Insomnia if taken in the evening
  • Jitteriness at high doses
  • Hormonal effects are subtle but possible — monitor with hormone-sensitive conditions

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Theoretical interaction with hormone-sensitive conditions (breast, uterine, ovarian cancer; endometriosis)
  • May interact with thyroid medications (maca contains goitrogens as a cruciferous plant)
  • Generally safe to combine with other adaptogens
  • No well-documented drug interactions at standard doses

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 5g/day of powder (traditional Peruvian consumption can exceed this)

Full Maca Root Guide

References

  1. (). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. DOI
  2. (). Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DOI