Sourced from the root of a turnip-like plant called Lepidium meyenii, maca root is a popular vegetable supplement. Traditionally grown in Peru at high altitudes, maca root is known for its natural nutritional profile, including Vitamin C, iron, fiber, calcium, and potassium. Maca root features bioactive compounds that can offer benefits and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and skin protection. (1)
Maca roots are grown in various colors, including red, pink, black, and yellow. Maca root supplements are typically available in either a capsule or powdered form. Some folks dislike its earthy taste and avoid it in powdered form. Others might sprinkle it into smoothies or desserts. We scoured the market for the best maca root supplements available to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Best Maca Root
- Best Maca Root Supplement: BulkSupplements Maca Root Extract (Powder and Capsules)
- Best Maca Root for Absorption: NOW Supplements Maca
- Best Maca Root for Vegans: BulkSupplements Maca Root Vegan Capsules
- Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Gelatinized Maca Powder: Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Gelatinized Maca Powder
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended to diagnose, prevent, and/or treat health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.
Best Maca Root Supplement
Each half-teaspoon serving of Bulk Supplements Maca Root Extract Powder contains 1,000 milligrams of maca root extract. It comes in a resealable foil zip pouch and has been third-party tested for purity. One of the purer forms of maca root on the market, there are no additional ingredients used. Additionally, it is free of soy, dairy, yeast, added sugar, and gluten. Compared to other competitive options, BulkSupplements keeps its products at a very reasonable price point on a cost per serving basis.
A great choice for folks looking for a straightforward source of maca powder with no additional ingredients. Each half-teaspoon serving of this reasonably priced supplement contains 1,000 milligrams of maca root.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Maca Root Extract (Powder and Capsules)
- Those who appreciate the convenience of a resealable foil zip pouch.
- People who value supplements that are third-party tested for purity.
- Folks who prefer having a short ingredient list.
- Anyone working with a tighter supplements budget.
Who Shouldn’t Buy BulkSupplements Maca Root Extract (Powder and Capsules)
- Anyone who doesn’t want a maca root supplement with such a strong taste.
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Best Maca Root for Absorption
Each single -capsule serving of Now Supplements’ product contains 500 milligrams of maca root sourced from the Andes region of central Peru. It is compatible with vegan diets and is manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility. There only two other ingredients used in addition to the maca are hypromellose and stearic acid for the capsule itself. It is free of yeast, soy, wheat, gluten, egg, milk, tree nuts, and shellfish.
Each single-capsule serving provides 500 milligrams of maca. There are only two other ingredients used in addition to the maca: hypromellose and stearic acid.
Who Should Buy NOW Supplements Maca
- Those who follow a vegan diet.
- People who prefer products made in GMP facilities
- Anyone who wants a lower dose per serving compared to other competitors.
Who Shouldn’t Buy NOW Supplements Maca
- Those who prefer a powder supplement to a capsule supplement.
- Anyone looking for a stronger dose of maca per serving.
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Best Maca Root for Vegans
Each two-capsule serving of these vegetarian capsules provides 1,000 milligrams of maca root extract. There are no additional ingredients used, and these capsules are devoid of soy, yeast, dairy, additives, and sugar. They are third-party tested for purity and are produced to current Good Manufacturing Practices standards. Each batch is lab tested and placed in a resealable pouch for easier storage.
These decently priced maca root capsules provide 1,000 milligrams of maca root extract in each serving. Free from soy, sugar, dairy, yeast, and gluten, there are no additional ingredients used in these capsules.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Maca Root Vegan Capsules
- Anyone who prefers consuming their supplements in capsule form.
- Those who follow a vegan diet.
- People who want to stay within a tighter supplement budget.
Who Shouldn’t Buy BulkSupplements Maca Root Vegan Capsules
- Folks who prefer powder supplements.
- Anyone who wants the flavor of maca root.
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Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Gelatinized Maca Powder
This maca root powder is made from yellow, red, and black maca roots. This supplement is gelatinized to ease digestion. However, there is a raw version available for those who prefer it. Terrasoul Superfoods uses third-party testing to ensure purity in their maca root powder and deliver it in a resealable pouch. Each half-teaspoon serving contains 2,000 milligrams of maca root, which is on the higher end of the market.
This maca powder is made from a blend of yellow, red, and black maca roots. Packaged in a resealable pouch, this may be a great option for folks looking to sprinkle maca into coffee, smoothies, and more.
Who Should Buy Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Gelatinized Maca Powder
- Folks who prefer organic supplements that use three different colors of maca root.
- People who want the choice of a gelatinized version (to help ease digestion) or a raw version of this maca root powder.
- Anyone who wants their supplements third-party tested for purity.
- Those who value the resealable pouch for easier storage.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Gelatinized Maca Powder
- Anyone who doesn’t have their own scoop or means of measuring each serving (there’s no scoop included with this pouch).
- People who prefer a capsule option rather than powders to avoid the taste of maca root.
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How We Decided Our Picks
Maca root is a popular supplement derived from a turnip-like plant typically grown in the mountains of Peru. There is research that shows maca root to be an effective supplement for bolstering libido among men and women, as well as improving reproductive health. (2) Before checking out a particular brand of maca root, check out some of the key features to consider while shopping.
Raw vs. Gelatinized
Though the term gelatinized may sound like gelatin has been added, that’s not the case; it’s still a vegan product. Gelatinized maca is boiled before it’s ground up, which takes out some of its starchiness. While this does deplete some of the natural nutrients, it is easier to digest for many folks. Raw maca, on the other hand, is dried before being ground up into a powder. This process keeps all of its nutrients intact, but some folks may have a harder time digesting raw maca.
Maca Color
Maca root is grown in various colors, the most common being yellow, black, and red. While some believe each color has its own unique properties, there isn’t any substantial research to back it up.
Dosage
While there’s no widely agreed-upon dosage for maca root, most studies that have been conducted to test its efficacy utilize around one-and-a-half grams to three grams daily. (3) Of course, it is always wise to consult a medical professional about what’s best for you before committing to a particular dose.
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Powder vs. Capsule
Many people enjoy the unique nutty and earthy flavor of maca — a great compliment to coffees and desserts. For those who aren’t interested in the taste, there are capsule options available. While capsules are a bit more expensive on a per-serving basis, they may be more convenient. The benefits of maca root can be acquired in either powder or capsule form, so it will ultimately come down to preference of flavor and use.
Purity
When shopping for any supplement, it’s important to know what’s inside the capsule or the powder before consuming it. Take a close look at the ingredients list to ensure no additives, preservatives, or other unnecessary fillers have been mixed in (assuming you want a pure or close-to-pure supplement). Not all manufacturers use independent third-party testing for maca root their supplements, but those who do will usually add that information to their marketing.
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What To Consider Before Buying
There are many benefits to adding maca root to your supplement cabinet, from both a nutritional standpoint and a health-benefits standpoint, particularly for your skin and libido. Consult a medical professional before adding any supplement to a daily health regimen. If maca root is right for you, try to be consistent with when and how much of it you take.
FAQ
Can maca root make you gain weight?
Maca root itself is not a supplement intended for weight gain. If weight management is your goal, it’s wise to consult a dietician or a health professional.
What does maca root do for you?
Maca root may have a handful of benefits, including increased libido and helping to stave off symptoms of menopause. However, more research is needed to substantiate these claims.
How long do you have to take maca to see results?
The effectiveness of maca will vary from person to person. However, as with most supplements, it’s important to try to take it as regularly as possible after consulting a health professional.
References
- Natália da Silva Leitão Peres, et al. Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review. 2020. Food & Function. doi: 10.1039/c9fo02732g.
- Sunan Wang and Fan Zhu. Chemical composition and health effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii). 2019. Food Chemistry. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.02.071
- Christina M Dording, et al. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. 2008. CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00052.x.
