Maca root is a powerful adaptogenic superfood that is native to the high Andes of Peru. It has been in use for several thousand years both as a regular food and as a natural form of medicine. Over the past decades it has become increasingly popular outside of Latin America due to its ability to support increased energy, improved mood, fertility, hormone balance and more. To receive the most benefits from adding maca to your life, it’s important to take the right amount. The question, “how much maca root should I take daily?” is a good one and the answer depends on several factors. In this article we’ll cover this question in depth and give you our suggestions for maca serving size.
If you’ve done some research online already, you might have come across the fact that people in the Andes eat as much as 100g (3.5 oz) of maca root per day. That is accurate. However, it’s important to keep in mind that those quantities refer to fresh maca root that has been made into a porridge such as mazamorra de maca or baked like a potato. They are NOT taking 100g of dried maca root powder or chips.
Those of us outside of the high Andes don’t have access to fresh maca roots. In fact, it is unlawful to export fresh whole maca roots out of Peru. That’s because maca is considered a heritage product of the Andes and is protected by international law as such. Instead, consumers of maca worldwide typically access maca in dried form, either in powders or chips/chunks. When it comes to maca powders (and maca chips) the typical daily serving size for an adult is 3 to 9 grams. That equates to roughly 1-3 teaspoons of powder daily. Some people who are just starting out with maca choose to take even less until they are confident in increasing their serving size. Others, especially athletes and particularly active people, may choose to take more on certain occasions. Factors such as body size and weight, activity levels and diet also influence the exact amount that an individual takes. Heavier and more active people often take more than average. And people with simple diets with lower caloric intake often take a bit less than average.It’s important to remember that maca is a food and takes time to build up in your system to achieve results. Don’t take a large amount at once and expect results. Instead, be consistent in taking maca daily and consistent in your serving size. Some people notice results after just a few days, while for others it takes several weeks. If you are not seeing the results you expected, we recommend to keep at it and possibly increase your serving size. Our expert customer service team is happy to help guide you with this. Please contact for additional support.
At The Maca Team, our capsules contain only 100% maca root powder and nothing else – no fillers, additives, flow agents, etc. of any kind. Therefore, the recommended serving size remains the same 3-9 g daily. Our capsules contain 750mg each. That equates to 4-12 capsules daily. Note that this only applies to our maca capsules. Other brands may have different amounts or other ingredients in their products. Also, the recommendations for adjusting your serving size based on weight, activity level, diet and newness to taking maca apply to capsules as well. Finally, remember again that consistency is key to achieving results. With capsules that’s easier because of the standardized amount in each capsule (you don’t have to measure like you do with powders).
As the world’s leading supplier of maca products we also carry liquid maca extracts in several different varieties. These extracts contain the nutrients of maca in a concentrated form and are very easy to take. To use them you simply hold some of the liquid under your tongue for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This allows maca’s nutrients to absorb quickly into your blood stream and can provide a near immediate energy boost. For our extracts we recommend taking 2-4 dropperfuls which equates to 1/4-1/2 teaspoon daily. Some people use extracts alone, but it is also possible to take them on the same day you take maca powder or capsules. Maca extracts can serve as a quick and easy energy boost throughout the day.
The guidelines we’ve listed above apply to our products which are made from the highest graded Peruvian grown maca roots. Products from other brands may not be the same. Some are grown in soils that are depleted and therefore have inferior nutrient content. Some are grown outside of Peru or Bolivia. And some are “cut” with other types of ingredients such as sweet potato flour. If you are aiming to get the best out of adding maca to your life it is important to seek out reputable suppliers and companies that truly care about providing you with the best quality products available. The Maca Team is one of a few of those out there. You can read more about us here and you can see specifically which maca we recommend for you here.
To sum up, in general terms when you are using high quality maca products, here are the serving size guidelines:
We hope that this has helped you answer the question, “how much maca root should I take?”
If you have further questions please let us know. We’re happy to help.Enjoy the day!
I shop around a lot for my supplements and health foods, and I have to say you guys at The Maca Team are light years ahead of anyone else selling maca out in the marketplace. Thanks for all you do!
By Jim Price, The Green Marketing Guru
Loving the red maca from themacateam. I can tell the difference from my usual store-bought brands. It really tastes so fresh and sweet compared to others. I really love this product. Thanks for sourcing it for us to enjoy
By Michelle Gebbia
I LOVE Maca Team Maca...this was my first purchase with the Maca Team and I have no need to try any other Maca-producer. The Maca tastes fresh and flavorful, the Kilo bag is a great price, and I feel so much more at ease (Maca is such powerful medicine :) )
By Lizzie Thompson
I take 24 products from five to six times a week to increase my well-being and sensual and sexual delights. ;D The Maca Team’s organic maca is one of them—nine grams in my smoothie, Monday to Saturday. The Maca Team is a small business run by a family who cares about its customers, its Peruvian maca growers, and the environment. It's vital to know the source of everything we put in our mouths. Physical and mental health are precious treasures. :D
By Jerry Montero
By Milt Thompson
This product is amazing! I have used other cheaper brands of white maca with fairly good results, but after trying the Maca Team maca, I noticed within two weeks all of my menopausal symptoms had completely vanished. Others described a bad taste and smell, but I have tried the black and the red and find them both to be mild tasting. I use a tablespoon in my daily smoothly
By Joy
Maca first came to us by our vitamin supplier. Then we ordered from the Maca Team. Comparison? Think fire-fly, then think mid-day sun. At 76 and 73 years respectively, that is a big deal; and at comparable cost too. We never have we had such speedy delivery and the packaging is the strongest, most protective we've seen, ever, at all ... anywhere. Further, the Mrs. no longer takes hormone supplements. And Mr. scans the morning want ads for steady P/T work.
By George & Sherri
I had been using another brand of maca powder and decided to try The Maca Team's. The difference in freshness is night and day, and better tasting . I'm 6 foot 250 lbs. and take 4 teaspoons every day w/ my protein shake. Great energy boost and just feel great all day. I can tell a difference when I do not take it. best price that I have found {36oz}. I will be buying more as needed.
By J.D.
I've tried various maca brands over the last 20 years and The Maca Team brand is very special. There is definitely a difference when it comes to the quality and colors of the maca. This red maca does seem to nourish certain parts of my body while the black maca nourishes something else. I know I've been missing the nutrition these maca provide. I'm 75 years old and bodies wear out, but I'm finding I'm regaining a functioning body. How wonderful is this?!?!!!
By Janis Ihrig
I just wanted to thank you for your excellently constructed website. I am a physician and I recently started learning about Maca. I get a very good sense of it, and I expect I will try it out myself and possibly be recommending it to patients in the future. If so, your website will be the first place to send people. Thanks again.
By Adam Holt
Love the Maca team, In an earlier comment I said I was on the fence about where to buy Maca .Not anymore .You shouldn’t be either. The team has answered any questions I’ve had promptly. I feel like I’m dealing with friends, not some company far away out for my money only. The Maca is fresh, prices are good, the people are nice. If you’re on the fence, don’t be, you won’t be sorry.
By Bob
My Maca came in today and it has all the information on it! I must say this is the best tasting Maca I have tried!! Thank you again for a great product!! I will only order from you in future as well!
By Stormi Evans
First I would like to say I love this product. I was very skeptical about a natural product with so many benefits but this stuff really works. Second, I love this company. From the web site to the way they run their company this a top-notch team. I will be ordering from The Maca Team from now on. Great job guys keep doing what you are doing.
By Darren Rivers Sr.
We love this product. I own a store and work with clients holistically. We have recommended maca for years however, this is the highest quality product we have ever carried. I am proud to offer it in my store.
By Mellissa Gage, Infinity and Beyond
I am really happy that I chose the Maca Team, today you can find many distributors selling Maca powder, however quality of the powder is impossible to compare. Moreover, the results after 2 weeks I could feel. Before I was taking maca powder and I did not feel any changes. But since I started taking Maca from Maca Team the changes are incredible. So, I did a test.:) I gave the powder to my partner ... and after 2 weeks he was impressed and told me that he has more energy, feeling happy... Thank you The Maca Team!!!!
By Olga
I do want to say that I have done quite a bit of research on different companies that offer Maca and The Maca Team definitely is the most reputable. Thank you again for your kindness and professionalism :)
By T.C.
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