What are maca’s main benefits?

    Written by:

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Maca is rich in essential nutrients like amino acids, iron, and iodine, but there is limited research to support its effectiveness for reproductive and sexual health. Some evidence suggests that it may enhance sexual desire, alleviate antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, improve mood, and positively affect certain semen parameters in men.

    Maca is high in nutrients such as essential amino acids, iron, iodine, and other minerals.[1] Although maca has been widely marketed for improving reproductive and sexual health, there is no strong research supporting its use for these goals. Limited evidence suggests that maca may improve sexual desire[2] and alleviate antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.[3] Maca might also improve mood[4][5] and improve some semen parameters in men.[6]