Whether you have trouble finding energy throughout the day, desire support for your libido, or have symptoms of menopause disrupting your life, maca root supplements may be an option for you. These products have been used for centuries and have an esteemed reputation in traditional medicine and various cultural practices.
With the large number of maca root supplements on the market, it can be difficult to select the best maca brand. Fortunately, we have done some of the legwork and provided our list of the top 5 maca root supplements on the market.
Best maca root supplements: a shortlist
- Double Wood Supplements — best maca root supplement to boost energy levels
- BulkSupplements.com — best overall maca powder
- Natgrown — easy-to-swallow maca root capsules
- Gaia — best gelatinized maca root supplement
- Swanson — best overall maca root pills
How we compiled our list of the best maca root supplements
Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, which can make evaluating the large variety of maca root supplements on the market a bit tricky.
To make this process easier, we have developed our own list with specific criteria for some of the best maca brands. Each product was selected based on the standards below.
| Price-to-value | Administration form | Quality | Production method |
| $6.59–34.95 | Powders, capsules, and tablets | Use of third-party testing and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) | Organic or non-organic |
- Price-to-value ratio. Selecting products providing high-quality supplements at a price point that is easy on the pocket.
- Administration form. Identifying products available in various forms gives you options when choosing a supplement convenient for your lifestyle.
- Quality. We prioritize supplements subjected to independent lab testing to ensure the product is free of harmful substances and includes the ingredients in the amounts listed on the bottle.
- Production method. The outsourcing of organic vs non-organic can make a big difference in the presence of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Best maca root supplement: an overview
Are you considering a supplement to help support your sexual health, improve energy levels, or maintain focus? Maca root supplements may be the answer you are looking for. For many years, maca root has been used to help boost mental and physical health, support healthy hormone levels, and even enhance libido. This has led many manufacturers to introduce various supplements to the market, making accessing each product difficult.
To help in the selection, we have developed a list of the best maca supplements with a focus on providing options regarding the different dosage forms. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement to ensure it is safe for your situation, given your medical history and current medications.
1. Double Wood Supplements — best maca root to boost energy
Double Wood Supplements are manufactured in the U.S. from globally sourced ingredients to provide 1,000 mg of maca root powder per serving.
Using third-party testing and cGMP, consumers can rest at ease knowing their product was made with quality in mind and contains the appropriate dosages per capsule. We are particularly impressed with the availability of third-party testing results being available on their website.
Double Woods is also committed to customer satisfaction and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the purchase of your first bottle, essentially offering a risk-free trial.
The recommended dosage is 2 capsules taken daily and is sold in bottles containing 150 servings.
To improve savings, Double Woods Supplements sells a double pack (300 servings) for $34.95.
2. BulkSupplements.com — overall best maca powder
BulkSupplements.com manufactures a 100%-certified organic maca powder that provides 3000 mg per serving. This helps ensure no unwanted pesticides or chemicals have been used during the growth and harvesting of the maca root. In addition, this product is vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
It tops our list of powders as consumers rave about its versatility. It can be added to oatmeal, coffee, smoothies, and yogurts. BulkSupplements.com ensures a high-quality product and its purity by utilizing manufacturing facilities compliant with cGMP and undergoing third-party testing.
While available in many different sizes, an 83-day supply can be purchased for $18.96 with free shipping on orders over $59.
3. Natgrown — easy-to-swallow best maca root capsules
Natgrown manufactures a 100% organic product that contains black, red, and yellow maca root, providing 1,500 mg per serving. Each serving consists of 2 veggie capsules, which many consumers report to be easier to swallow than other pills.
The supplement is produced in facilities compliant with current cGMP and is manufactured and quality-tested in the U.S. While Natgrown is committed to high-quality products, this capsule was selected for the 3rd spot as the quality testing is unclear whether it is in-house or a third party is used.
Each bottle provides a 30—to 60-day supply, depending on whether the dose is once or twice daily.
Natgrown MACA is available through Amazon for $17.92 with free two-day shipping for Prime members.
4. Gaia — best gelatinized maca root supplement
Gaia formulates their capsules with gelatinized maca root to aid in absorption. Additionally, this product utilizes only organically grown maca root to avoid any risk of pesticides or chemicals.
We are impressed with Gaia's commitment to high-quality products and global sustainability principles when producing their supplements. As a Certified B-Corporation, Gaia maintains the highest level of transparency and environmental accountability for a company.
The stringent third-party testing and transparent results allow consumers to rest easy knowing what they are putting in their bodies.
This vegan-friendly, gluten-free product is recommended at a dosage of one capsule twice daily. Each serving contains 500 mg of organic geletinized maca root.
It is available through Amazon for a 30-day supply for $17.27 and includes free delivery for Prime members.
5. Swanson — overall best maca root pills
Swanson Maca root supplement uses a concentrated extract to provide the equivalent of 2000 mg of fresh maca root in each capsule. Therefore, it can provide an adequate dose with the simplicity of one capsule per day.
We particularly like this supplement for its price-to-value ratio combined with the independent laboratory testing used to ensure the purity and content of the capsules. This gives you the peace of mind you are getting a quality product without breaking the bank.
Swanson backs this product with a 100% money-back guarantee and it's currently being offered as a buy-one-get-one-free deal.
This provides a 120-day supply for $6.59, making it one of the best-priced supplements.
Comparing the best maca root supplements
| Brand | Price | Price per serving | Serving Size | Maca root per serving | Third-party tested |
| Double Wood Supplements | $34.95 | $0.11 | 2 capsules | 1,000 mg | Yes |
| BulkSupplements.com | $18.96 | $0.22 | 1/2 tablespoon | 3,000 mg | Yes |
| Natgrown | $17.92 | $0.29 | 2 capsules | 1,500 mg | Yes, but unsure if in-house vs independent lab |
| Gaia | $17.27 | $0.29 | 1 capsule | 500 mg | Yes |
| Swanson | $6.59 | $0.05 | 1 capsule | 500 mg of maca extract | Yes |
What is maca root?
For over 2,000 years, maca, also known as Lepidium meyenii or Peruvian ginseng, has been cultivated and used for various potential health benefits. The maca root is native to South America and grows in the high altitudes of the Central Andes Mountains. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is classified as a cruciferous vegetable, similar to kale or broccoli.
Rich in fiber, amino acids, vitamin C, copper, and iron, maca root is a nutrient-packed dietary food that can be added to the diet by baking or roasting.
However, most people choose the simplicity and convenience of a supplement. While maca root provides an impressive nutritional profile, it's more commonly used for the adaptogenic potential of its bioactive compounds, such as glucosinolates, macamides, macaenes, and alkaloids.
Health benefits of maca root
While the health benefits of maca root still require higher-quality studies to confirm, some encouraging findings have been presented in the recent literature.
It may aid in male fertility
Maca root supplements can benefit men in regards to sexual desire and improved sperm counts; however, neither has been shown to affect fertility rates directly. Improving sperm count, concentration, and motility are important components of supporting male reproductive health.
In one clinical study, young men (24–44 years of age) supplemented their diet with 1,500 to 3,000 mg of maca root for four months. This study confirmed an increase in sperm motility, motile sperm counts, sperm counts per ejaculation, and seminal volume.
Furthermore, maca root supplementation has been shown to improve sexual desire in men without altering testosterone or estrogen levels.
It may help reduce menopausal symptoms
Women have turned to maca root for many different health reasons. The timing of menopause may differ between women, but eventually, all women will go through menopause, which is associated with discomforting symptoms such as hot flashes as the body adjusts to hormonal fluctuations.
Fortunately, a study evaluating early post-menopausal women showed potential benefits in reducing these symptoms of menopause while helping increase levels of estrogen and progesterone. While confirmatory studies are still required, this provides great hope to some women struggling with menopausal symptoms.
It may improve mood and energy
Like many, I struggle in the morning, often turning to sources of caffeine, such as coffee, to jumpstart my engine for the upcoming day. While caffeine has drawbacks, it is often the easiest option for a quick energy boost.
Fortunately, many different studies have shown maca root to be beneficial in improving one's mood and boosting energy levels with consistent supplementation. Interestingly, maca root does not contain any caffeine, and the improved energy levels are thought to be a result of other bioactive compounds within the root.
However, like caffeine, maca root is best consumed early in the day to avoid problems sleeping.
Potential antioxidant benefits
As we age, oxidative stresses become increasingly influential in the onset of numerous medical conditions. Maca Root, packed with essential amino acids and free fatty acids, holds promise as a natural means to reduce the levels of free radicals and oxidative stress.
While maca root is known for its potential antioxidant properties, it is important to realize the actual content of the plant will depend on the environment in which it was grown. Therefore, some products may not have as high a level of antioxidant properties as others.
Different types of maca root supplements
Many decisions are based on personal preference when selecting a form for maca root supplements. Here, we provide the available options and some benefits or disadvantages.
- Powder form makes adding maca to a morning smoothie or latte easy. While it requires daily measuring of the appropriate dose, this can be the administration form of choice for those with problems swallowing pills.
- Capsules provide accurate dosing and the convenience of not requiring something to mix with a powder form. However, these can often be large capsules making them difficult to swallow.
- Maca extract is a concentrated liquid form that may improve the absorption of the maca supplement. This form requires some dexterity to dose appropriately and can taste bitter.
Tips for maximizing the benefits of maca root supplements
Ever wonder if you are maximizing the effects of your supplement? Here are some tips to optimize the potential benefits of maca root.
- Consistency is key. Studies have evaluated consistent, short-term use to be effective, therefore, incorporating the supplement into your daily routine can help ensure daily use.
- Morning time administration. Maca root is believed to provide energizing effects; taking the morning supplement may help maximize these energy-producing benefits.
- Choose high-quality, third-party tested supplements. Reputable brands that employ third-party testing help ensure you are purchasing a consistent product.
Potential side effects of maca root supplements
The side effects of maca root can include feelings of jitteriness, stomach pain, nausea, headaches, and problems sleeping. While these often vary between individuals, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Patients that have conditions sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, such as prostate, ovarian, breast, or endometrial cancer, kidney or liver disease, thyroid problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, should avoid taking products containing maca root unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Please note: Products on our list contain maca root, which includes a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Therefore, pregnant women and those planning a family should avoid using products containing maca, and the use of these supplements should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Best maca root supplements — conclusion
Maca root is a cruciferous vegetable that has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits. While studies are still needed to confirm the benefits, it is important to seek guidance from a healthcare practitioner when deciding to start a new supplement.
Additionally, spend time researching the supplement and select those that have been third-party tested to ensure the supplement is of good quality and contains the labeled ingredients.
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FAQ
What is the best brand of maca root pills?
Our research has identified five brands that provide high-quality, dependable maca root supplements. The top brands include Swanson, Bulk Supplements, Natgrown, Gaia, and Double Wood Supplements. While many other brands exist, these have made it into the top five of our maca supplements review.
Which maca root is best for working out?
Black maca root is generally considered the most energizing of the different phenotypes and, thus, is most commonly recommended as a workout supplement. The black phenotype is also considered the most beneficial for athletic performance; however, limited studies have evaluated these effects.
Does maca really work?
Many different clinical studies have suggested that maca root may have health and wellness benefits, such as promoting energy levels, improving sperm counts, and helping with menopausal symptoms. While these studies show promising benefits, larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Is it OK to have maca every day?
Maca root has been shown to be safe when taken daily for a short period of time in clinical studies. However, the long-term effects of maca root are unknown at this time. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement that contains maca root.
4 resources
- Asian journal of andrology. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men.
- International Journal of Biomedical Science. Use of Gelatinized Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum) in Early Postmenopausal Women.
- Pharmaceuticals (Basel). Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
- Food and Function. Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review.
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