Is maca safe? A quick look at maca side effects
Maca is a root vegetable from Peru, and people have eaten it as food for centuries. So, for most healthy adults, maca side effects are rare and mild when they take normal amounts. In fact, MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, says maca is likely safe for most people when they eat it as food.
Even so, side effects can still happen, and some people should avoid maca altogether. That is why this guide explains what to watch for, who should not take maca, and how to use it safely. In addition, it shows you how to spot when a problem comes from a fake product rather than from maca itself.
Common maca side effects
Most side effects are mild, and they usually go away when you reduce the amount or stop. They include:
- Bloating and gas: Raw maca is starchy, so it can upset sensitive stomachs.
- Stomach upset or loose stools: These often happen when people start with too much at once.
- Trouble sleeping: Some people find maca energizing, especially when they take it late in the day.
- Feeling restless or jittery: This is less common, but it can happen at higher amounts.
The good news is that you can usually prevent these problems. For example, start with a small amount, take maca with food, and choose gelatinized maca if your stomach is sensitive.
Less common and possible maca side effects
Research on maca is still limited, so some effects are possible rather than proven:
- Hormone effects: MedlinePlus notes that extracts from maca might act like estrogen. As a result, people with conditions that estrogen can make worse should avoid maca extracts.
- Thyroid effects: Maca belongs to the cabbage family, so it contains natural compounds called glucosinolates. In large amounts, these may affect the thyroid, especially when someone already has thyroid problems or low iodine.
- Changes to your period: A few women report changes in their cycle, although researchers have not studied this well.
- Allergic reactions: These are rare. Still, stop at once if you get a rash, itching, or swelling.
Who should not take maca?
Avoid maca, or speak to a doctor or pharmacist first if any of these apply to you:
| Group | Why be careful |
|---|---|
| Pregnant or breastfeeding women | Because MedlinePlus says there is not enough reliable safety information for these times |
| Women trying to get pregnant | Since researchers do not fully understand maca’s effects on hormones and fertility |
| People with hormone-sensitive conditions | Because estrogen-like effects may worsen fibroids, endometriosis, and breast, womb, or ovarian cancer. |
| People with thyroid problems | Since natural compounds in maca may affect the thyroid in large amounts |
| People with high blood pressure or heart disease | Because maca can feel stimulating, so check with a doctor first. |
| Anyone under 18 | Since no studies have tested maca in children and teenagers |
| People taking regular medicine | So, read the section on interactions below. |
If you fall into one of these groups, then it is safer to skip maca or to use it only with medical advice.
Can maca interact with medicines?
There is limited research on maca and medicines. However, because maca may have hormone-like effects, it is wise to be careful when you take it.
- Birth control pills: So, speak to your doctor before you combine them.
- Hormone therapy: This also includes treatment for menopause or hormone-sensitive cancers.
- Thyroid medicine: Maca’s natural compounds could, in theory, affect thyroid treatment.
- Blood pressure or heart medicine: Therefore, check with your doctor first.
In addition, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s maca guide describes the overall research on maca as limited. That is another reason to talk to a professional if you take regular medicine.
Safe amounts to lower the risk of maca side effects
Many side effects come from taking too much too soon. So, it helps to know what a normal amount looks like. Most studies used about 1.5 to 3 grams a day, which is roughly half to one level teaspoon of powder.
| Week | Suggested amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Half a teaspoon (about 1.5 g) | So your stomach can adjust slowly. |
| Week 2 onwards | Up to one teaspoon (about 3 g), or the amount on your pack | Because this matches the range in most studies |
| After 3 months | Take a 1- to 2-week break. | Since many people like to rest before they continue |
Also, always follow the directions on your product, because blends and extracts may differ.
How to reduce your risk of maca side effects
- Start small: Begin with half a teaspoon of powder, or the lowest amount on the pack, for the first week.
- Stay within normal amounts: Many studies used about 1.5 to 3 grams a day, so more is not better.
- Take it with food: This also helps prevent stomach upset.
- Use it earlier in the day: Morning or early afternoon is best, especially if maca affects your sleep.
- Try gelatinized maca: Makers gently heat it to remove starch, so it is easier to digest.
- Take breaks: Many people use maca for about 3 months, then rest for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Buy registered products: So, check every product on the FDA Ghana Products Register.
When to stop taking maca and see a doctor
Stop using maca, and then speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you notice:
- A rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Ongoing stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
- A racing heartbeat, chest pain, or very high blood pressure readings
- Changes to your period that worry you
- Signs of thyroid problems, such as unusual tiredness, weight changes, or a swelling in the neck
Also, go to a hospital immediately if you have difficulty breathing or severe swelling.
Fake products: a hidden risk
Sometimes, side effects come not from maca itself but from what else is in the product. For example, unregistered maca may contain fillers or ingredients that are not on the label. In fact, FDA Ghana has seized unregistered body enhancement products whose labels lacked basic information, such as the list of active ingredients. Moreover, FDA Ghana has stated that it has not approved any product for body part enlargement. So, be wary of maca that comes with that promise.
Buy safe, clearly labeled maca.
At Albee Nutriland, you can find maca powders in sealed, labelled packaging. So, open each product page for full ingredients and directions before you buy.
| Product | How to use it | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Maca Powder | Stir a teaspoon into koko or oats, then enjoy. | GHS 330 |
| Ultimate Maca Powder | Blend into your shake, then drink it daily. | GHS 330 |
| Ultimate Maca Collagen Peptides | Mix into milk, then drink it in the morning. | GHS 400 |
Prices are correct at the time of writing and may change, so check each product page for the latest price. Also, for recipe ideas, see our 5 Easy Maca Smoothie Recipes for Busy Mornings.
How to order
- Shop online: Visit albeenutriland.com/shop when it suits you.
- Order on WhatsApp: Message +233 59 901 7504, and our team will also answer your questions.
- Visit a branch: Go to Accra (Lapaz), Kumasi (Afful Nkwanta), Takoradi (Anaji), or Tamale (Changli). Then, see our Contact page for directions.
FAQs about maca side effects
What are the most common maca side effects?
Bloating, gas, stomach upset, and trouble sleeping are the most common. Usually, they are mild, and they improve when you lower the amount or take maca with food.
Can maca affect my period?
Some women report changes to their cycle, although research is limited. So, if you notice changes that worry you, stop taking it and see a doctor.
Do maca side effects go away?
Most mild side effects go away within a few days once you reduce the amount or stop. However, if they continue, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
Is maca safe during pregnancy?
There is not enough reliable information on maca’s safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is best to avoid it at these times.
Does maca raise blood pressure?
The research is limited. Still, because some people find maca stimulating, check with a doctor first if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Are maca side effects different for men and women?
The common side effects, such as bloating and poor sleep, are the same for both. However, women with hormone-sensitive conditions, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, need extra care.
Final word
To sum up, maca is safe for most healthy adults when they take normal amounts, and maca side effects are usually mild. Still, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with hormone-sensitive conditions or thyroid problems, and anyone on regular medicine should speak to a doctor first. So, start small, take it with food, and buy registered products. Above all, stop if anything feels wrong.
Have questions about maca? Then shop at Albee Nutriland or WhatsApp us on +233 59 901 7504. Also, for more guides, read our health articles.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Because maca is a food supplement, it cannot diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. So, speak to a qualified doctor or pharmacist before you start any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medicine, or have a medical condition.