Maca root is a plant known for its health benefits, including increased libido and energy. It can also improve male fertility, but those with thyroid conditions or on a low-sodium diet should avoid it. Maca may cause insomnia and hives, but overdoses are rare. Its effects on pregnancy are unknown, so pregnant women should avoid it.
The maca root plant is enjoyed by many for its purported health benefits, primarily its stimulation of male and female libido. There are some side effects to maca, although many are considered minimal. Maca consumption aids male fertility in adults, which is considered a positive side effect, although it may have a negative effect on those with thyroid conditions or those on a low-sodium diet. Allergies have been reported among people taking maca, although overdoses are considered extremely rare, if ever. Information on the effects of taking maca during pregnancy is unknown.
Belonging to the Brassicaceae, or mustard family, raw maca is a perennial root plant similar to radish. It is often sold as a powder to mix into drinks, sauces, and yogurt, or to sprinkle on food. Many who take it claim that it helps fight fatigue, increases male and female libido, boosts the immune system, and improves memory.
Maca side effects are generally considered minimal. Some side effects are actually perceived as positive in nature. While maca is usually only taken to increase libido and energy, it can actually increase fertility in men. A human study among adult men in 2001 showed significant increases in sperm count, subject motility, and subject seminal volume. Such results, however, did not differ between those receiving higher doses versus those receiving lower doses.
There are some potential negative side effects associated with consuming maca. Those suffering from thyroid conditions are advised to avoid the substance, as maca contains iodine, which exacerbates the side effects associated with such a condition. Also, those who practice a low sodium diet may wish to refrain from using maca. A low-sodium diet, combined with consumption of the chemical glucosinolate found in maca, can increase the chances of developing goiters. Maca may also cause insomnia.
Some other minimal negative side effects of maca include hives and fatigue. The chances of experiencing a harmful overdose of maca are considered negligible, as it has a very low degree of oral toxicity. No adverse reactions were reported in studies in rats administered higher than normal amounts of the substance. Furthermore, no side effects of maca have been reported regarding its interaction with any drug.
More experiments are required to discover the side effects of maca associated with pregnancy. Studies on fetal interactions with maca or its effect on breast milk have not yet been conducted. Due to this ambiguity, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming maca.
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