****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Positives:Allows me to do without other menopause supplementsHas improved my energy levelsThese are gelatinised - easier to absorbMixed types of maca, better nutritional profile than single typeNo fillers or other unnecessary ingredientsReasonably clear declaration of ingredients (maca root powder, capsules), but see negativesGood strength and amount for priceOrganic, vegan and manufacturers work with Rainforest ConcernVery well (double) sealed containerBB date was 9 months awayNo unpleasant taste - although see negativesDark container (plastic, but can't expect glass), although see below about lidMost people can take maca - WebMD says up 3 g daily for up to 4 months seems safe - which does not mean more or longer is not safe, just that there's no evidence it isStudies suggest maca can help with: increased libido, fertility in men, menopausal symptoms, moodMaybe helps: improve athletic performance (endurance or speed), brain function and learning, to reduce prostate size in men, bone healthNegatives:Product page gives amount of maca, but it's not on the container and there's no exact info about types (colours) of maca and ratios used, only says multiple types combinedQuite large capsules, but probably unavoidableI notice a slight taste - not unpleasant, just a mild earthy, vegetable tasteThe lid is sealed with tear-off strip, would prefer a screw threadMaca can take a while to work - 2 months for full benefits for meHype can lead to unrealistic expectationsNo evidence for maca helping with: erectile dysfunction, muscle mass or strength in athletes (this is not specific to this product, nor are possible benefits, but good quality gives best chance of benefits)Some sites (WebMD, for example) say there is no evidence from studies to support benefitsWebMD also says that you should avoid maca if you have hormone sensitive conditions that might be made worse by estrogen. Maca can act like estrogen extracts, they think.I was taking a herbal product for menopause symptoms, with high levels of Vitamin B6. They worked well to control hot flushes, but after a couple of years, I started worrying about the high levels of B6. As an alternative, I first bought a similar herbal product without the B6 - also worked very well. But I've read that even with "natural" hormone-like substances, there could be health issues over time. And maca has enabled me to come off those altogether now. Maca also contains B6, btw, but not nearly the levels provided in many menopause supplements.Generally speaking, you should never assume that because something is sold as "natural" it cannot do you any harm. Maca is tolerated well by most people, it seems, but see warning above about estrogen sensitive conditions.I first bought a different maca product, but those, while similar, contained fillers and other stuff. Also, it did not declare properly the amount of maca. They used IU - international units, and I don't think there is an IU value for maca... Anyway, switched to this brand and it seems very good. They are also a bit stingy with info about the amount and types of maca, but at least they declare the amount in mg on product page. Amount should also be on the container, though.. and I would like to know more about the "equivalent to" bit.I started with one a day (recommended dose for the previous product). With these, I first took one in morning and one at night. Initially, I was still taking the herbal product most days, probably 4-5 days a week, as still had hot flushes otherwise. Then I gradually stopped taking that, and reduced to one of these a day, in the mornings, as that now seems enough. If taken in the evening, and you're sensitive, they can make sleeping harder. Similar to coffee, but a lot milder.Now, I very rarely have hot flushes, and when I do, they are very mild. When I forgot one day, next day, I immediately had hot flushes again.This is not a hormone, but maca supports various body functions, is my understanding. Hence, they take a while to work. This is often called an "adaptogen", and there are studies about adaptogens, and they are supposed to improve the body's resistance to stress. The term adaptogen was (and maybe still is) disputed, but there are some studies that back up the concept in general, I think.With the following, bear in mind that Healthline call themselves a "health information company", but they must generate revenue by advertising, so I suspect a bias towards positive info about health products. They provide references to proper studies, though, so handy for a summary.. but as said in summary, some sites dispute that there is any proper scientific evidence for benefits.Maca contains various nutrients, according to Healthline, including vitamin C, copper, iron, potassium, vitamin B6 and manganese. It also has fibre and plant compounds like glucosinolates (no idea what they are!) and polyphenols, (those, I've read about, supposed to help protect from free radical damage, even delay aging). This is a summary of studies they listed about maca:There is evidence (randomized clinical studies) to support maca increasing libido in men and women, after taking it at least 6 weeks. There's also evidence to suggest it improves fertility in men, with our without fertility problems.Studies also suggest it helps with menopausal symptoms of hot flushes and interrupted sleep (defo does for me!).. It might also improve bone health, according to animal studies.Maca can reduce anxiety and depression, especially for menopausal women, which they think is due to flavonoids.There's a study supporting improved performance in cyclists, but there's no evidence for strength or muscle mass improvements.It may improve brain function and learning, especially black maca. Animal studies suggest red maca may reduce prostate size.While maca improves sexual performance in rats (maybe due to higher libido!), there is no evidence to suggest it helps with erectile dysfunction.Studies generally use 1.5 - 5 grams of powder. These contain 500 mg, (0.5 grams) which it states is "equivalent to 2,500 mg (2.5 grams) of maca root". Not sure how exactly that works - suggests this is product that's been concentrated.I've not checked the Healthline references, and there might be issues with some of above studies, but I can vouch for the fact that these helped me. I was very sceptical, until I tried herbal supplements for hot flushes, and was pleasantly surprised. I tend not to believe the hype, but I have to admit that maca really worked for me!But you cannot expect quick results and this is no wonder cure - I think some people have far too high expectations, due to media hype. Suggest you read up yourself from neutral sources. Ask your GP if in any doubt that it's suitable or safe for you or you have serious symptoms. Overall, I would say it's worth a try at least.
