Natrol is a company that manufactures a full line of specialty nutritional products, including a maca supplement. Maca is a root that grows in parts of Peru and Bolivia. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," herbalists have traditionally recommended maca to increase energy, to promote fertility, and to be used as an aphrodisiac. Natrol markets a capsule form of maca to support sexual performance in both men and women. There are several known side effects associated with the use of maca. As with any health supplement, you should speak to your doctor prior to using this product.
Metabolic Side Effects
According to "Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future," maca can increase your heart rate, potentially causing insomnia due to increased metabolic activity. You can also magnify this side effect by consuming caffeine or other stimulants while taking Natrol maca capsules.
Allergic Reactions and Fatigue
Other potential side effects of Natrol maca are allergic reactions, including flushed skin, hives or a skin rash. In addition, since maca contains a high amount of potassium, you can also experience fatigue due to dehydration after taking Natrol maca capsules.
Goiter
Maca contains glucosinolates, which are organic compounds that contain sulfur and nitrogen and have the potential of causing goiter. Goiter is the inflammation or swelling of the thyroid gland. You should not consume Natrol maca if you have a thyroid problem.
Pregnancy and PMS
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take Natrol maca. According to the "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments," maca may also speed up the menstrual cycle after prolonged use. In addition, maca can increase cramps that result from premenstrual syndrome.
Hormone Balance
Maca also has the potential to affect your body's regulation of sex hormones. Individuals with hormone-responsive cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer should not take Natrol maca capsules.
References
- "Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future"; David Wolfe; 2009
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- Natrol: Men's Products: Maca 500 mg
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