Maca root, a plant native to the Andes mountains in Peru, has gained popularity for its health benefits (31). Traditionally used by indigenous cultures for its nutritional and medicinal properties, maca root is now commonly found in health food stores and online as a supplement.
However, as its popularity grows, questions about its safety during pregnancy have arisen. Understanding the potential benefits and risks of maca root during pregnancy is essential for expectant mothers and healthcare practitioners alike. This article explores the safety, benefits, and practical considerations of using maca root during pregnancy.
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What is Maca Root?
Maca root, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is in the cruciferous vegetable family such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. It grows in harsh conditions, at high altitudes in the Andes mountains.
For centuries, indigenous people in Peru have used maca root for its purported energy-boosting, as a circulatory tonic and fertility-enhancing properties (34). Traditionally, it has been consumed in various forms, including raw, cooked, and as a dried powder.
Maca’s active compounds include alkaloids, steroids, tannins, saponins, anthrocyanins, cardiotonic glycosides, glucosinolates, isothicyanates, macamides and alkamides (18,45,51).
Can You Take Maca Root While Pregnant?
The short answer is maybe. If one desires to take it they should work with a knowledgeable provider.
Guidelines for Use
Maca root is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and extracts. The appropriate dosage can vary depending on the form and individual needs. Common dosages range from 1.5 to 5 grams per day, for approximately 6 weeks up to 8 months (15,18,25).
However, the optimal dosage for pregnant women has not been established. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid excessive consumption. Overconsumption may lead to potential health risks and adverse effects.
Benefits of Maca Root for Pregnancy
Maca root is known for its potential to boost energy, mood, and memory (45), its anti-cancer effects (49), and its blood sugar and hormonal balancing effects (47,48).
Many people use maca root to combat fatigue (22) and increase stamina (54). Additionally, it has been suggested that maca root may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression (15). Its adaptogenic properties are believed to help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis (47).
Fertility and Pregnancy
One of the most well-known uses of maca root is its potential effect on fertility. Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that maca root may help improve fertility in both men and women.
It is believed to boost sperm quality in men and support hormonal balance in women, potentially increasing the chances of conception. However, while these claims are promising, more rigorous scientific research is needed to confirm these effects.
Nutritional Support
Maca root contains a unique nutritional profile rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins Thiamine/B1, Riboflavin/B2, C, and E. It also contains minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron (15,19). Maca contains linoleic and linolenic essential fatty acids (37). Additionally, maca root provides a good source of protein and dietary fiber (4,19).
Its active compounds, including macamides and macaenes, are believed to contribute to its health benefits. These nutrients support overall health and can be particularly beneficial for maintaining energy levels and hormonal balance (37).
Hormonal Balance
How maca root may help in regulating hormones during pregnancy. Alkaloids from the root of the plant act upon the two key glands in the brain, the hypothalamus and the pituitary, supporting and boosting energy levels and encouraging the production of ovarian hormones such as estrogen and testosterone (37).
Maca is shown to decrease Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which has an inverse relationship with estrogen, and increase Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - needed for ovulation, which effectively increases both estrogen and progesterone (28).
Immune System Support
“The highest hydroxyl radical scavenging ability of 52.9% was obtained by Lepidium meyenii powder LMP-60 at the concentration of 2.0 mg/mL. LMPs showed good capability of scavenging superoxide radicals. At the concentration of 2.0 mg/mL, the scavenging rate of LMP-60 was 85.8%.”(53)
Hydroxyl radicals (-OH) are highly reactive oxygen species. In the body they may contribute to many pathologies including atherosclerosis, cancer (49) and neurological pathologies (32). It is also a potential immunomodulator (46,47).
Potential Side Effects
Although maca root is generally considered safe for most people, its safety during pregnancy has not been well-established. Potential risks include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, and interactions with other medications or supplements (25). There is also the concern that excessive consumption of maca root could lead to hormonal imbalances, which might affect pregnancy outcomes.
An important consideration, is that when it helps to balance hormones, if hormones are out of sync, (which occurs to maintain a pregnancy), bringing them back on line FSH → estrogen→ LH may cause a women to menstruate, if a woman desires pregnancy and/or has had difficulty conceiving it may be in her best interest not to use maca without the supervision of a trained herbalist or naturopathic doctor.
Additionally, maca root may interact with prenatal vitamins and other supplements, potentially causing adverse effects. A person should seek medical attention, if they have an itching tongue, hives, or allergic reaction, abdominal pain/discomfort, start to menstruate or spot when not expecting.
Interactions with Medications
There are no known medication interactions with maca, but this does not mean it doesn’t have any. It is best to err on the side of caution, unless very familiar with the herb or are working with a knowledgeable provider who has a history of use of maca with success.
Current Research and Evidence
The current body of scientific research on maca root and pregnancy is limited. There are few comprehensive studies specifically examining the safety of maca root during pregnancy. Most of the available research focuses on the general health benefits and potential fertility-enhancing properties of maca root.
The lack of targeted studies on pregnant women means that the safety profile of maca root during pregnancy remains unclear. However, there is no known toxicity.
Practitioner Insights
Healthcare professionals and experts have mixed opinions on the use of maca root during pregnancy. Some experts caution against using maca root during pregnancy due to the lack of substantial evidence supporting its safety. They recommend avoiding any unnecessary supplements during pregnancy unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Others suggest that maca root may be safe in moderate amounts but emphasize the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before use. It is important to choose a provider who has trained with herbs and pregnancy.
How to Choose Quality Maca Root Supplements
“The sky-rocketing demand for the plant has seen a shift from traditional cultivation methods to mass production practices with the use of fertilizers and also pesticides; as maca is now grown in areas other than the Andes such as in the Yunnan province in China. This can potentially affect the phytochemistry and composition of the plant and thus, the quality, safety and efficacy of maca products. “ (1,50).
Ensuring it is grown in the right location, under its normal circumstances is what allows the compounds to fully develop and interact to protect the plant. Look into whether the company selling the maca has third-party testing or not. This is important, as it ensures that what the company claims is in the product actually is in the product (50).
Native maca is more stable than emulsified or oil in water extraction (21). It will be important to also check their growing practices, as pesticides and other persistent forever chemicals may interact with the plant and then be transferred to the person who ingests it, which may cause more harm than benefit.
Another indicator that is specific to the type of maca used, red, black, purple, or yellow. For the highest glucosinolate concentration, red is best, for the least amount of bacterial contamination and second highest in glucosinolates the black is best (29).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Common Concerns
Is it safe to take maca while pregnant?
The safety of maca root during pregnancy has not been well-established. It is important to consult a medical professional before taking maca root during pregnancy.
Does maca root increase pregnancy?
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that maca root may help improve fertility, but more rigorous scientific research is needed to confirm these effects.
Which maca is best for pregnancy?
There is no specific type of maca root that is recommended for pregnancy. It is essential to consult a medical professional before using any form of maca root during pregnancy.
Can I take maca with prenatal vitamins?
Maca root may interact with prenatal vitamins and other supplements. It is important to consult a a medical professional to determine if it is safe to take maca root with prenatal vitamins.
Should you stop taking maca when pregnant?
Due to the lack of substantial evidence on its safety, it may be advisable to stop taking maca root when pregnant, especially during certain stages of pregnancy, or the comfort of the provider with herbs. Consult a medical professional for personalized advice.
Can maca root cause miscarriage?
There is no substantial evidence linking maca root to miscarriage. However, due to the lack of comprehensive research, it is important to consult an Herbalist or Naturopathic Doctor before using maca root during pregnancy.
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Key Takeaways
- Maca root, a traditional plant from the Andes, offers several potential health benefits, including improved energy levels, mood, and hormonal balance.
- While some anecdotal evidence suggests it may support fertility, the safety of maca root during pregnancy is not well-established due to a lack of comprehensive research.
- Potential risks include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, and interactions with other medications or supplements.
- It is important for pregnant women to consult a healthcare provider before taking maca root to ensure safety and appropriate usage.
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