Nutrition Diet: Who should avoid taking maca?

October 6, 2025 •

5 min read

According to reputable sources like WebMD, there is not enough reliable information on the safety of maca for pregnant or breastfeeding women, making avoidance the safest option. This caution extends to others, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, who should be aware of potential risks before incorporating the popular supplement into their diet.

Quick Summary

This article explores the specific health conditions and circumstances under which maca supplementation should be avoided, covering hormonal issues, thyroid problems, and pregnancy. It details important safety considerations and precautions for these high-risk groups to help inform dietary choices.

Key Points

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Individuals with breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should avoid maca due to its potential estrogenic activity.
Thyroid Issues: Raw maca contains goitrogens that can disrupt thyroid function; it should be avoided by those with hyperthyroidism and used with caution (or gelatinized version chosen) by those with hypothyroidism.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is insufficient safety data for maca use during pregnancy and lactation, making avoidance the recommended course of action.
Cardiovascular Health: People with severe heart disease or hypertension should be cautious, as maca can affect blood pressure and heart rate.
Medication Interactions: Maca may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medication, and antidepressants, necessitating medical consultation before use.
Product Quality: Consumers should opt for high-quality, reputable maca products to minimize the risk of heavy metal contamination.
Gelatinized Option: For those with digestive or thyroid sensitivities, gelatinized maca is often a better choice than raw maca due to improved digestibility and reduced goitrogen content.

Understanding Maca Root

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable native to the high Andes of Peru and is traditionally used as a food and herbal medicine. Available in various forms, including powder and capsules, it has gained popularity as an adaptogen, supporting energy, fertility, and hormonal balance. However, despite its potential benefits, maca is not suitable for everyone, and specific health conditions warrant caution or avoidance. The potential influence on hormone levels, the presence of certain compounds, and a general lack of safety data for some populations mean careful consideration is necessary.

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions and Maca

One of the most significant contraindications for maca use is the presence of hormone-sensitive conditions. Maca, particularly certain extracts, may exhibit estrogen-like activity. For individuals with conditions sensitive to hormone fluctuations, this can be problematic and potentially exacerbate their health issues.

Specific conditions to be aware of include:

Breast, Uterine, and Ovarian Cancer: Cancers in these organs can be hormone-sensitive, meaning their growth may be influenced by estrogen levels. Introducing a supplement with estrogenic effects, even mild ones, could pose a risk.
Endometriosis: This condition involves the growth of uterine lining-like tissue outside the uterus. The growth of this tissue is influenced by hormones, so a supplement affecting hormone balance should be avoided. Some anecdotal reports and studies on specific maca types suggest beneficial effects, but the overall recommendation is to proceed with extreme caution and medical guidance.
Uterine Fibroids: These non-cancerous growths on the uterus are also sensitive to hormonal changes. Maca's hormonal effects could potentially worsen the condition or its symptoms.

Consulting a doctor before taking maca is essential for anyone with a history of these or other hormone-related health issues.

Thyroid Health and Maca Use

Maca belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, which contains compounds called goitrogens. In high amounts, goitrogens can interfere with thyroid function by inhibiting the absorption of iodine, a mineral crucial for thyroid hormone production.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): Maca is best avoided by individuals with hyperthyroidism because it has been suggested that it can stimulate the thyroid gland, potentially worsening the condition.
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): People with hypothyroidism should be cautious. While some anecdotal reports suggest potential benefits, the goitrogenic content of raw maca can be a concern. Choosing a gelatinized (cooked) maca product, which has lower goitrogen content, is often recommended as a safer alternative.

All individuals with thyroid conditions should discuss maca supplementation with their healthcare provider and regularly monitor their thyroid hormone levels, especially when starting a new supplement.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Children

For expectant and nursing mothers, as well as children and adolescents, maca is not recommended. The primary reasons are insufficient safety research and potential hormonal impacts during critical developmental periods.

Lack of Evidence: There is limited to no reliable scientific information on the effects of maca during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Without clear data, the potential risks to the developing fetus or infant are unknown.
Hormonal Impact: Maca can affect hormone levels. Introducing a hormone-modulating supplement during pregnancy and lactation, when hormonal balance is crucial, is generally not advised.
Potential Heavy Metal Exposure: Maca grows in high-altitude soil where there is a risk of heavy metal contamination. A case report highlighted potential lead exposure from maca powder, which is particularly dangerous during pregnancy due to the risk of miscarriage.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Medication Interactions

Individuals with cardiovascular issues should approach maca with caution. Some sources indicate that maca could increase heart workload and affect blood pressure. This is particularly relevant for those with pre-existing heart conditions or hypertension.

Furthermore, maca may interact with various medications, and it is crucial to consult a doctor, particularly if you are on any of the following:

Blood Thinners: Maca's effects on circulation could interfere with anticoagulant medications.
Blood Pressure Medications: Due to its potential to affect blood pressure, combining maca with antihypertensive drugs could be problematic.
Antidepressants: Some herbal supplements, including maca, can interact with medications like antidepressants.

Other Considerations: Prostate Health and Liver Safety

Prostate Health: While some studies, mostly in rats, suggest that certain types of maca (specifically red maca) may help reduce prostate size in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), human research is limited. Maca should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment for prostate conditions. Men with prostate cancer should be cautious, as maca can influence hormonal pathways.

Liver Health: Maca is generally considered safe for liver health, and major liver injury has not been widely reported. However, a rare case of severe acute liver injury was documented, though it involved a very high dose of an alcohol-based extract. People with pre-existing liver conditions should consult a doctor before use.

Comparison: Raw vs. Gelatinized Maca

Choosing the right type of maca is especially important for individuals with thyroid issues or digestive sensitivities. The processing method can significantly impact the final product's properties.


Feature	Raw Maca	Gelatinized Maca
Processing	Dried and ground, not cooked.	Heat-treated to break down starch molecules.
Goitrogen Content	Contains goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function.	Lower goitrogen content due to cooking process, safer for thyroid concerns.
Digestibility	Can cause digestive issues, such as bloating, cramping, or gas, in sensitive individuals.	Pre-cooked for better digestibility, suitable for those with sensitive stomachs.
Potency and Absorption	Some compounds remain, but less bioavailable due to uncooked state.	Cooked form may offer better absorption and bioavailability of key nutrients.
Recommended For	Generally healthy individuals with no thyroid or digestive concerns.	Individuals with thyroid issues or sensitive digestion.

Conclusion

While maca is a popular supplement touted for various benefits, it is crucial to recognize that it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, thyroid problems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those on specific medications should approach maca with caution or avoid it entirely. The lack of comprehensive safety data for certain populations underscores the need for a cautious approach. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially if you have an existing health condition or are taking prescription medications. Opting for high-quality, reputable products and starting with low doses can also help mitigate potential risks. Ultimately, making an informed decision, guided by expert advice, is the safest path toward nutritional wellness.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new diet or supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should avoid maca if you have a history of breast cancer. Maca may have estrogenic properties, which could potentially worsen hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer.

Individuals with thyroid problems should be cautious with maca. Those with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) should avoid it, while those with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) should consider using gelatinized (cooked) maca to minimize goitrogen intake.

Yes, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid maca. There is a lack of reliable safety data for these groups, and maca's hormonal effects could pose unknown risks.

Maca may interact with blood pressure medications. Some sources indicate it can affect blood pressure, so it is essential to consult a healthcare provider if you are taking antihypertensive medication.

Raw maca is dried and ground but not cooked, retaining higher levels of starches and goitrogens. Gelatinized maca is heat-treated, making it easier to digest and reducing its goitrogenic content, making it a better option for those with thyroid concerns or sensitive stomachs.

Yes, due to where it is grown, there is a risk of heavy metal contamination in some maca products. It is important to buy from a reputable source that tests its products for quality and safety.

Yes, while generally well-tolerated, some people experience side effects such as headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, insomnia, or feeling jittery, particularly when first starting. Reducing the dose or switching to a gelatinized form can often alleviate these issues.

No, maca is not a treatment for BPH. While some animal studies show red maca may reduce prostate size, human research is limited. It should not replace prescribed medical therapy.

An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps the body cope with stress and restore balance. Maca is considered an adaptogen, but its balancing effects on hormones are why certain high-risk groups, like those with hormone-sensitive cancers, need to be cautious.