How Much Maca Root Should I Take Daily

Introduction

Maca root is a powerful adaptogenic superfood that is native to the high Andes of Peru.  It has been in use for several thousand years both as a regular food and as a natural form of medicine.   Over the past decades it has become increasingly popular outside of Latin America due to its ability to support increased energy, improved mood, fertility, hormone balance and more.  

To receive the most benefits from adding maca to your life, it’s important to take the right amount.   The question, “how much maca root should I take daily?” is a good one and the answer depends on several factors.  In this article we’ll cover this question in depth and give you our suggestions for maca serving size.

How Much Maca Do People Native To The High Andes Consume?

If you’ve done some research online already, you might have come across the fact that people in the Andes eat as much as 100g (3.5 oz) of maca root per day.   That is accurate.  However, it’s important to keep in mind that those quantities refer to fresh maca root that has been made into a porridge such as mazamorra de maca  or baked like a potato.  They are NOT taking 100g of dried maca root powder or chips.  

How Much Maca Root Powder Should I Take Daily?

Those of us outside of the high Andes don’t have access to fresh maca roots.  In fact, it is unlawful to export fresh whole maca roots out of Peru.  That’s because maca is considered a heritage product of the Andes and is protected by international law as such.   Instead, consumers of maca worldwide typically access maca in dried form, either in powders or chips/chunks.   

When it comes to maca powders (and maca chips) the typical daily serving size for an adult is 3 to 9 grams.   That equates to roughly 1-3 teaspoons of powder daily.  Some people who are just starting out with maca choose to take even less until they are confident in increasing their serving size.   Others, especially athletes and particularly active people, may choose to take more on certain occasions.   Factors such as body size and weight, activity levels and diet also influence the exact amount that an individual takes.   Heavier and more active people often take more than average.  And people with simple diets with lower caloric intake often take a bit less than average.

It’s important to remember that maca is a food and takes time to build up in your system to achieve results.  Don’t take a large amount at once and expect results.   Instead, be consistent in taking maca daily and consistent in your serving size.   Some people notice results after just a few days, while for others it takes several weeks.  If you are not seeing the results you expected, we recommend to keep at it and possibly increase your serving size.  Our expert customer service team is happy to help guide you with this.   Please contact for additional support.

How Many Maca Root Capsules Should I Take?

At The Maca Team, our capsules contain only 100% maca root powder and nothing else – no fillers, additives, flow agents, etc. of any kind.   Therefore, the recommended serving size remains the same 3-9 g daily.   Our capsules contain 750mg each.   That equates to 4-12 capsules daily.  Note that this only applies to our maca capsules.  Other brands may have different amounts or other ingredients in their products.    Also, the recommendations for adjusting your serving size based on weight, activity level, diet and newness to taking maca apply to capsules as well.  Finally, remember again that consistency is key to achieving results.   With capsules that’s easier because of the standardized amount in each capsule (you don’t have to measure like you do with powders). 

What Is The Serving Size For Liquid Maca Extracts?

As the world’s leading supplier of maca products we also carry liquid maca extracts in several different varieties.   These extracts contain the nutrients of maca in a concentrated form and are very easy to take.  To use them you simply hold some of the liquid under your tongue for 30 seconds to 1 minute.  This allows maca’s nutrients to absorb quickly into your blood stream and can provide a near immediate energy boost.    For our extracts we recommend taking 2-4 dropperfuls which equates to 1/4-1/2 teaspoon daily.   Some people use extracts alone, but it is also possible to take them on the same day you take maca powder or capsules.   Maca extracts can serve as a quick and easy energy boost throughout the day.  

Understanding Quality In Maca Products

The guidelines we’ve listed above apply to our products which are made from the highest graded Peruvian grown maca roots.   Products from other brands may not be the same.  Some are grown in soils that are depleted and therefore have inferior nutrient content.  Some are grown outside of Peru or Bolivia.   And some are “cut” with other types of ingredients such as sweet potato flour.   

If you are aiming to get the best out of adding maca to your life it is important to seek out reputable suppliers and companies that truly care about providing you with the best quality products available.   The Maca Team is one of a few of those out there.   You can read more about us here and you can see specifically which maca we recommend for you here.

Final Words

To sum up, in general terms when you are using high quality maca products, here are the serving size guidelines:

• Maca powder or chips  =  3 – 9 grams daily (about 1 – 3 tsp.)
• Maca capsules (750mg / each) = 4 – 12 capsules daily
• Maca extracts = 2-4 droppersful (1/4 - 1/2 tsp.) daily

We hope that this has helped you answer the question, “how much maca root should I take?”

If you have further questions please let us know.  We’re happy to help.

Enjoy the day!