About Maca

Gelatinized Maca is a processed form of the Peruvian root vegetable Lepidium meyenii (maca) that has undergone a traditional gelatinization process involving heat and pressure to remove starch content and improve digestibility. This process transforms raw maca root into a more concentrated, easily digestible powder with reduced antinutrient content. Gelatinization increases the bioavailability of maca's active compounds, including macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, and polyphenols. The resulting product is commonly used as a dietary supplement for its adaptogenic properties, with applications for energy, hormonal balance, and sexual health.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
163

Compare All Forms

6 forms

Compare supplement forms of Maca by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Colored Maca (Yellow, Red, Black)

Adaptogen traditionally used for energy, stamina, and hormon...

  • Label category: natural
— — — View →
Gelatinized Maca

Traditional Peruvian adaptogen; gelatinized for improved dig...

  • CAS: null
  • Label category: natural
— — — View →
Maca — — — View →
Maca Extract

Traditionally used adaptogen from Peru. May support energy,...

  • CAS: null
  • Label category: natural
— — — View →
Maca Root — — — View →
Raw Maca Powder

Traditional adaptogen used for energy, stamina, and hormonal...

  • Label category: natural
— — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

gelatinized maca root, pre-gelatinized maca

Type: Herbs

Plant-based supplements derived from leaves, roots, flowers, or other plant parts. Often used in traditional medicine systems.

Absorption: Many herbs require specific extraction methods or co-factors (like piperine for curcumin) for optimal absorption.

Interactions: Herbs can have significant drug interactions. Some herbs have blood-thinning effects. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Maca forms:

And 17 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Maca forms:

And 8 more side effects...