The Fertility Superfood You Haven’t Heard Of…Yet

Maca root, a traditional Peruvian plant, has gained attention for its potential to enhance fertility in both men and women. This ancient superfood boasts a rich nutritional profile, supporting hormonal balance, reproductive health, and overall well-being. Its edible root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to enhance fertility and virility, balance hormonal fluctuations, boost energy and endurance, and support immune function

How Maca Impacts Fertility

Historically, traditional indigenous Andean communities used maca to boost fertility, virility, and reproductive health. They believed maca enhanced sexual function, libido, and overall vitality. The Incas considered maca a sacred plant and it was typical to use it during fertility rituals and ceremonies.

Fast forward to modern day, research has validated maca's fertility benefits. Studies suggest its bioactive compounds glucosinolates and polyphenols influence hormone production to support thyroid function and menstrual regularity. (1) Maca's antioxidants and fatty acids also improve sperm quality, boost testosterone, and protect eggs from oxidative damage. (2) Observational studies in Peru have also linked maca consumption to increased fertility rates, demonstrated by in vitro and animal studies.

Maca Root For Male Fertility

While modern science is only beginning to understand the effects of maca, initial studies strongly suggest that the traditional beliefs of the Incas hold up in research. These preliminary findings suggest maca:

1. Increases libido: Maca's bioactive compounds, such as glucosinolates, stimulate sexual desire and arousal. (3)
2. Enhances sperm and semen quality: Maca supplementation significantly increases sperm count, motility, and semen volume. (4)
3. Reduces sexual dysfunction: Maca may alleviate erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low testosterone. (3)

Maca Root For Female Fertility

In addition to all it does for male virility and fertility, maca can be effective for women in supporting fertility as well. Maca, particularly red maca, has been shown to support female fertility by balancing hormones, regulating menstrual cycles, and enhancing reproductive health.

Maca has been found to:

1. Balance hormones: Maca regulates progesterone and estrogen levels, promoting menstrual regularity and ovulation. (1)
2. Improve fertility: Red maca may enhance fertility in women, increasing chances of conception.
3. Boost libido: Maca's aphrodisiac properties may stimulate sexual desire and arousal.
4. Enhance egg quality: When combined with other fertility-boosting foods and antioxidants, maca may also help improve egg quality.

Hormonal Regulation:

1. Progesterone support: Maca helps regulate progesterone levels, essential for implantation and pregnancy maintenance. (1)
2. Estrogen balance: Maca modulates estrogen levels, alleviating symptoms of estrogen dominance. 

Menstrual Cycle Regulation:

1. Regularizing periods: Maca may help regulate menstrual cycles, reducing irregularity and infertility. (1)
2. Reducing PMS symptoms: Maca may help some women with their symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as mood changes and bloating.

Dosage + Use Recommendations

Maca, though a natural supplement, can be challenging to dose effectively. It is best to consult with an expert for individualized guidance and to ensure the specific maca you are taking passes the quality bar. 

Some general guidance:

Recommended Dosage:

1. Females: 500-1,000mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses
2. Males: 1,000-2,000mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses

Best Ways to Use Maca Root:

1. Powder form: Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2-5g) to smoothies, soups, or baked goods
2. Capsule form: Capsules containing 500-1000mg of maca root extract
3. Raw maca root: 1-2 tablespoons (10-20g) added to food or beverages

Tips for Effective Usage:

1. Start with a low dose: Gradually increase dosage as needed and tolerated
2. Cycle with maca: Use maca for 3-4 weeks, followed by a 1-2 week break
3. Consult a functional medicine expert before using maca, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications

Safety Considerations

Maca's most common side effects include moodiness, cramping, stomach distress, insomnia, and jitters (similar to coffee jitters). Additionally, some women report changes in their menstrual cycles, likely due to maca's hormone-influencing effects.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid using maca.

Maca may also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), diabetes medications, and blood pressure medications. Individuals taking these medications should consult their doctor before adding maca to their regimen.

Taking A Functional Medicine Approach

Infertility is difficult to address. It’s confusing and emotionally taxing, which makes it even harder to find reliable and effective interventions to consider. An expert in the space is best equipped to help guide you through options targeted to your specific concerns and root issues.

If you’re interested in seeing what that looks like from the functional medicine perspective, you can schedule a consultation from anywhere in the world using our telehealth service. We’ve helped men and women struggling with infertility, helping families start and grow with the lasting effects of functional medicine.