A member of the mustard family, maca is a vegetable that may yield health benefits when consumed as a medicinal supplement. Historically, dried maca powder has been used to enhance fertility, sexual libido, endurance and strength; however, additional research is needed to support these purported medicinal benefits. Discuss maca's side effects with your health care professional before beginning treatment with this herbal supplement.
Goiter
Maca contains a class of compounds called glucosinolates. Excessive or prolonged treatment with glucosinolates may cause goiter -- a condition characterized by thyroid gland swelling and reduced thyroid activity, the University of Maryland Health System reports. Such effects are more prevalent in people who eat a diet low in iodine. Symptoms associated with goiter include coughing, difficulty breathing and swallowing, hoarseness and a swollen protrusion at the base of the front of your neck. Contact your medical provider for further evaluation and care if you exhibit any of these symptoms while taking maca.
Medication Interactions
Always inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you are taking before beginning a new therapeutic treatment. As of January 2011, no documented drug interactions are associated with herbal maca.
Contraindications
Discuss any medical problems or concerns you have with your health care provider before initiating treatment with maca supplements. The safety of this supplement has not been sufficiently evaluated in pregnant women, so expectant and nursing mothers should avoid taking maca. Additionally, if you have a thyroid disease, such as goiter, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, avoid treatment with maca. People with thyroid conditions who take maca may experience more severe thyroid-related symptoms.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of dried maca is 500 to 1,000 mg three times a day, according to the University of Michigan Health System. For more personalized information on how much herbal maca you should take daily, consult your primary medical provider.
Member Comments