The easy-to-digest one
Gelatinized maca
Cooked to remove starch, so it's easier to digest.
Good for: Everyday use · Easy on the stomach
What variations of maca exist?
A root vegetable from the Andes used for energy, libido, and menopause symptoms. It does not contain hormones, and small studies show mixed results. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The easy-to-digest one
Gelatinized maca
Cooked to remove starch, so it's easier to digest.
Good for: Everyday use · Easy on the stomach
The color-coded one
Red or black maca, labeled by color
Some studies use specific colors for specific goals.
Usually skip
- The raw one (Raw maca powder)Harder to digest. Maca is traditionally eaten cooked.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Gelatinized maca' on the label (the easy-to-digest one)
Watch out for
- Claims that it contains or replaces hormones
- Proprietary 'hormone balance' blends that hide the maca amount
Check with your provider first if…
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding: not well studied
- You have a thyroid condition. Raw maca has compounds that may affect the thyroid.
- You have a hormone-sensitive condition, such as breast cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids. Ask your provider first.
In Dr. Lesher's store
3 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have maca. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Vitanica
Fem Rebalance
50 mg per serving
DaVinci Labs
Libido
66.66 mg per serving
Gaia Herbs
Buy on Fullscript Women's Libido
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.