Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant native to the central Peruvian Andes. This edible and medicinal herb has been cultivated for more than 2000 years. In recent times, maca extract has become a common ingredient in dietary supplements due to its many purported health benefits [*].

The edible parts of the maca plant are its hypocotyl and root. Traditionally, maca hypocotyls were harvested for food and medicinal use. After harvest, maca hypocotyls are dried for longer storage. Before consumption, it is boiled and consumed as juice [**]. 

Maca was traditionally consumed for its nutritional value, and it was also believed to enhance fertility [*]. Maca’s fertility-enhancing effects may be linked to its phytosterol or phytoestrogen content. Other functional compounds in maca include macaridine, macamides, macaene, gluosinolates, and maca alkaloid [**].

Maca also contains essential amino acids, carbohydrates, fiber, free fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic acids), iron, calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, and vitamin C among others [**].

Maca and its components demonstrate adaptogenic and antioxidant effects [****]. Adaptogenic herbs have a balancing effect on the body [*], and antioxidants prevent oxidative stress that may lead to various human disorders [*]. 

Research suggests that maca may have positive impacts on libido [*], fertility [**], energy levels and mood [*], memory [*], metabolism [*], bone [*] prostate [*], and skin health [*]. 

Although initial studies reveal that maca has various potential health benefits, there is still a need for additional research to determine its efficacy and mechanism of action [*].

Due to maca’s many purported health benefits, particularly its positive effects of sexual health, maca extract is a common ingredient in dietary supplements.

The popularity of maca supplements has led to hundreds of brands flooding the marketplace; however not all supplements are created equal! Unfortunately, more than 90% of supplements in the market simply DON’T WORK!

We understand the challenges in finding the right supplement for your health needs. That’s why we gathered years of research and made this guide to help you find the top-rated formulas that work for you.

Things To Be Cautious About

Has your brand been third-party tested? You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency.

Does your maca supplement contain cheap synthetic fillers? Some brands add artificial fillers to cut cost to offer cheap products. Some of these cheap fillers we found were titanium dioxide and artificial coloring. You should never purchase cheap products when it comes to supplements.

No return policy or customer service – A reputable supplement company will offer 100% money-back guarantee policy and provide customer support through phone number and email. We noticed many formulas out there are just copies of the top-rated brands. They don’t offer an easy refund policy or don’t even have a phone number to prove they are real.

Top 3 Maca Supplements

The result: we reviewed over 100+ brands of Maca Supplements in the market and complied a list of top 3 formulas based on effectiveness, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.

1. SunFood Maca Powder

  • Shipping & Return Policy 100% 100%
  • Customer Service 99% 99%
  • Essential Ingredients 98% 98%
  • Effectiveness 99% 99%

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

2. Gaia Herbs Maca Powder

  • Shipping & Return Policy 96% 96%
  • Customer Service 97% 97%
  • Essential Ingredients 95% 95%
  • Effectiveness 97% 97%

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

3. Terrasoul Maca Powder

  • Shipping & Return Policy 97% 97%
  • Customer Service 95% 95%
  • Essential Ingredients 94% 94%
  • Effectiveness 96% 96%

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

Ranking Factors

Shipping & Return Policy: we check the shipping and return policy of each recommended product to make sure these brands stand behind their products.

Customer Service: we contact the top rated brands through email, chat or phone to make sure they are responsive and can answer potential questions customers might have.

Essential Ingredients: we verify the ingredients in every top rated brands, their safety and dosage amount in comparison with the latest scientific studies.

Overall Effectiveness: we check with real customers through their reviews and testimonials to make sure the top brands are as effective as they claim to be. We recommend the top 5 formulas based on their average score.

We highly recommend our reader to do their own research, read real reviews and contact any brands directly to make sure they can provide the products and services based on their needs.

1. Sunfood Maca Powder

  • Shipping & Return Policy 100% 100%
  • Customer Service 99% 99%
  • Essential Ingredients 98% 98%
  • Effectiveness 99% 99%

*This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our independent research and customer feedback. Results may vary based on individual.

Disclosure of Material Connection: we only recommend products and services which we believe will add value to the users. However, you should assume the owner of this website and/or blog has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection, to any suppliers of goods and services that may be discussed here and may be compensated for showing ads or recommending products or services or linking to the supplier’s website.

Sources and Citations

1. Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3184420/
2. Role of maca (Lepidium meyenii) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3856628/
3. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2928177/
4. Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31951246/
5. Chemical Analysis of Lepidium meyenii (Maca)… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6571579/
6. Therapeutic Effects of Pre-Gelatinized Maca… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614596/
7. Antioxidant and neuroprotector effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca)… https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28007001/
8. Aqueous Extract of Black Maca Prevents Metabolism Disorder… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5897445/
9. Effect of red maca (Lepidium meyenii) on prostate… https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21762188/
10. Photoprotection against the UVB-induced oxidative stress and… https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21781063/