13XP
May lift sexual desire a little over several weeks, from small trials.
Maca
Maca is a root vegetable native to the Andes, typically ground into a powder
Often taken withTongkat Ali, Ashwagandha, Zinc
Evidence-backed benefits
How Maca can help, goal by goal, with the studies behind each score.
11XP
Slightly better self-rated erections in a small trial.
11XP
May ease low desire, including desire lowered by antidepressants, in small trials.
Popular claims that did not hold up (1)
People often expect Maca to help with these. The studies say otherwise, so they are not scored as benefits.
- Fertility (Men)4XPPooled trials found no significant increase in sperm concentration.
How to read XP
Each score is for this supplement and that specific goal, not a general rating.
XP combines how reliable the research is with how much difference it usually makes. Higher means stronger evidence for that supplement and that goal.
Limited<15 XPModest15–27 XPModerate28–44 XPReliable45–69 XPHigh70+ XP
Dosage
What studies commonly use for Maca, and how it is usually taken.
Usual dose
1.5–3 g per day
1.5–3.0 g/day
How to take it
- With food
See study range
1.5–3.5 g/day of dried maca root powder
Your journey
Libido (Men) comes first (week 4 → week 12); Libido (Women) takes longest (week 8 → week 12). An estimate from the studies' timelines, not a promise: everyone responds differently.
From the first noticeable effect to roughly full strength. Colour follows the XP tier of each benefit.
Make it a habit
These gains come from steady use, not a single dose. Keep Maca in your routine for about week 12 before you judge it.
Safety
What to know before you take Maca.
Safety rating
Well tolerated
Mild effects, if any.
- Gas and crampsMostly with raw maca. Rare with cooked (gelatinized) maca.
- Can be stimulatingAvoid it close to bedtime.
Check with a doctor first if you have a thyroid condition.
General information, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, take medication or have a health condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
Common pairings
Supplements and habits often combined with Maca.
Tongkat Ali
Both are used in libido and vitality stacks
Ashwagandha
Commonly stacked for energy and stress
Zinc
Zinc supports normal hormone function
Where to buy
Brands we looked at for Maca, with our quality score for each.
Pure Encapsulations
Maca Extract
Quality score4.6/5
No listings for this country yet.
Authority
Public figures who take or recommend Maca. Portraits are AI-generated, not real photos, and this is not an endorsement.
Dave Asprey
Entrepreneur
PractisesSource
Tim Ferriss
Entrepreneur
PractisesSourceBuild a stack around your goals.
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