Maca
Food from the high Andes
- Type
- Adaptogenic root
- Typical amount
- Studies and traditional use suggest roughly 1.5–3 grams of maca powder per day.
- Best taken
- As directed on the formula label
- Caffeine
- None
- Main source
- It comes from the maca root, eaten as a food in Peru and sold as a powder or extract.
- Evidence level
- Limited / emerging
Maca is a root vegetable from the high Andes of Peru, dried and powdered for use as an energy and stamina tonic.
What is Maca?
Maca is a root vegetable from the high Andes of Peru, dried and powdered for use as an energy and stamina tonic.
How Maca works in the body
It is used for energy, stamina and hormonal balance, and is valued as a nutrient-dense adaptogen. In practical terms, this is the mechanism weight-loss formulas are counting on when they include maca.
What the research says about Maca and weight
Human research on Maca specifically for weight is limited or early-stage. Much of the rationale comes from traditional use, lab studies, or its general nutritional role. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t help — only that strong clinical proof for a weight effect isn’t established yet.
How much Maca to take
Studies and traditional use suggest roughly 1.5–3 grams of maca powder per day. Always check the label of your specific formula — blends often contain less maca than studies use, especially inside proprietary blends that don’t disclose exact amounts.
Food sources and supplement forms
It comes from the maca root, eaten as a food in Peru and sold as a powder or extract.
Why Maca appears in weight-loss formulas
It appears in energy and hormone-supporting formulas for its stamina reputation and nutrient density.
Safety, side effects and interactions
Maca is generally well tolerated as a food-like supplement; those with thyroid concerns should note it is a cruciferous plant. As with any supplement, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, check with your doctor first.
How to choose a quality Maca supplement
When choosing a Maca product or a formula containing it, look for one that discloses the actual amount of maca (not just a proprietary-blend total), uses a recognizable form, and is made by a brand with third-party testing or GMP manufacturing. More isn’t always better — match the dose to what research and the label suggest, and be wary of products that hide quantities behind a blend.
Food from the high Andes
Maca grows at extreme altitude where few crops survive, and has been eaten as a staple energy food for centuries.
Common questions about Maca
What does Maca do for weight loss?
How much Maca should I take?
Is Maca safe?
How strong is the evidence for Maca?
Will Maca alone make me lose weight?
Does the dose in supplements match research?
Supplements with Maca
Formulas in the SourceLean directory that list Maca or a closely related form among their ingredients:
Related ingredients
Explore other compounds commonly found in weight-loss formulas:
Ingredient insights, explained
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