What are the side effects of using maca? Exploring the risks and safety considerations

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Native to the high Andes Mountains, maca root has been used for centuries for its nutritional and medicinal properties. While generally safe for most, understanding the potential side effects of using maca is crucial before adding it to your routine.

Quick Summary

Maca can cause mild digestive issues, headaches, and insomnia. Certain health conditions, like hormone-sensitive cancers or thyroid problems, are contraindications for its use.

Key Points

Common Side Effects: Mild symptoms like digestive upset, headaches, and insomnia are possible, especially when starting with higher doses.
Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Individuals with conditions like breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer should avoid maca due to its potential estrogenic effects.
Thyroid Health: Raw maca contains goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function, making caution necessary for those with thyroid issues.
Drug Interactions: Maca may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, and some antidepressants.
Heavy Metal Risk: Certain maca supplements may be contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, depending on the growing location. It is important to buy from reputable, tested sources.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lack of safety research means pregnant or nursing women should avoid maca supplements.

Common and Mild Adverse Effects

Most people tolerate maca root well, but some may experience mild and transient side effects. These often occur when starting with a high dose and may include gastrointestinal issues and headaches.

Gastrointestinal Upset

Some users report stomach distress, cramps, or a general feeling of upset after consuming maca, particularly in its raw powder form. Starting with a smaller dose, such as one teaspoon (approximately 5g), can help the body adjust.

Headaches and Insomnia

Due to its potential stimulant-like properties, maca may cause headaches or insomnia in some individuals. To minimize the impact on sleep, it is often recommended to take maca earlier in the day rather than before bed.

Significant Health Warnings and Contraindications

While mild side effects are manageable, certain populations should avoid maca entirely or exercise significant caution due to more serious health risks.

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions

Maca contains compounds that can influence sex hormone levels, such as estrogen. This can be problematic for individuals with conditions that are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. Those diagnosed with breast, ovarian, uterine, or endometrial cancer, or with uterine fibroids, should avoid maca supplements.

Thyroid Problems

Maca contains goitrogens, substances that can interfere with normal thyroid function, especially in individuals with an iodine deficiency. For those with hypothyroidism or other thyroid issues, consuming raw maca could worsen their condition. It is essential to consult a doctor before use if you have any thyroid-related concerns.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Due to a lack of sufficient safety data from human studies, maca supplementation is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is also a potential risk of heavy metal exposure from some products, which could be harmful during pregnancy.

Heavy Metal Contamination

Maca grows in high-altitude soil and can absorb minerals and heavy metals. A case report detailed a woman who developed elevated blood lead levels after consuming maca root powder. Choosing products from reputable manufacturers that are third-party tested can help mitigate this risk.

Drug Interactions

People taking certain medications should be aware of potential interactions with maca root:

Blood thinners: Maca may interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
Blood pressure medications: Maca can subtly affect blood pressure levels, which could interfere with antihypertensive drugs.
Hormone-altering drugs: Due to maca's effects on hormones, it may unpredictably interact with medications like birth control or thyroid hormone replacements.
Antidepressants: Maca may interact with some antidepressants, especially selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which should be discussed with a doctor.

Comparison Table: Maca Side Effects vs. Potential Benefits


Potential Benefits (Proposed)	Reported Side Effects (Observed)	Safety Considerations
Increased libido and sexual function	Gastrointestinal upset, cramps	Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding
Enhanced energy and mood	Headaches, insomnia, sweating	Caution with thyroid conditions
Improved sperm concentration	Altered menstrual cycles	Avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers
Support for menopausal symptoms	Moodiness, irritability	Potential drug interactions
Antioxidant activity	Rare liver injury case reports	Risk of heavy metal contamination

Quality and Sourcing

Because supplements are not strictly regulated by the FDA, the quality and purity of maca products can vary significantly. To minimize risks, look for brands that provide independent verification from third-party organizations such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. Such verification confirms that the product contains what is advertised and is free from harmful levels of contaminants. When starting any new supplement, beginning with a lower dose allows you to monitor how your body reacts before increasing the intake.

Conclusion

While maca is generally safe for most healthy individuals in moderate doses and has a long history of use, it is not without potential risks. The side effects are often mild, such as digestive issues and headaches, but more serious contraindications exist for those with hormone-sensitive cancers, thyroid conditions, or who are pregnant. Potential interactions with medications and the risk of heavy metal contamination also warrant careful consideration. Before incorporating maca into your health regimen, it is highly recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.

Visit WebMD for more information on maca's uses and side effects

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common side effects of maca are typically mild and include gastrointestinal upset, cramps, headaches, and difficulty sleeping (insomnia).

While generally considered safe for most healthy people in moderate doses, research on long-term daily use is limited. Some studies have found that doses up to 3 grams daily are safe for up to 4 months.

Yes, maca can influence sex hormone levels. It is not recommended for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as certain cancers, as it may mimic or affect estrogen activity.

People with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast cancer, endometriosis), thyroid problems, hypertension, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid maca or consult a doctor before use.

Yes, maca can potentially interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, blood pressure medication, antidepressants, and hormone-altering drugs.

Maca grown in areas with high mining activity can be contaminated with heavy metals like lead. Sourcing products from reputable, third-party tested manufacturers is crucial to minimize this risk.

While a rare case of liver injury has been reported, maca is not commonly associated with liver toxicity. Animal and preclinical studies suggest low toxicity, but individuals with liver issues should exercise caution.