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Maca for Menopause-Related Weight Gain

C

A 12-week RCT (n=175) in postmenopausal women found 3.3 g/day maca reduced body weight and improved lipid profiles. Systematic review of 5 RCTs found reduced BMI in metabolic syndrome. Direct weight loss evidence is limited; benefits likely mediated through hormonal and energy pathways.

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            C

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
A 12-week RCT (n=175) in postmenopausal women found 3.3 g/day maca reduced body weight and improved lipid profiles. Systematic review of 5 RCTs found reduced BMI in metabolic syndrome. Direct weight loss evidence is limited; benefits likely mediated through hormonal and energy pathways.

            
            
        

    











    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
5

        
Studies

    

    

        
300

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        C

        
Grade

    




        


        
        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
energy:

                        
3,000-5,000 mg/day

                    

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
1,500-3,000 mg/day gelatinized maca

                    

                    
                    

                        
hormonalsupport:

                        
2,000-3,500 mg/day

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: No established UL; generally well-tolerated up to 5,000 mg/day
                

                
            

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: Morning with breakfast; gelatinized form has better digestibility
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Insomnia (if taken late)
                        
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                            ⚠
                            GI discomfort
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Jitteriness (at high doses)
                        
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Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
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                            ●
                            Hormone-sensitive conditions (theoretical — modulates hormonal pathways)
                        
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                            ●
                            Thyroid medications (goitrogen content in raw form)
                        
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                        Tolerable upper intake: No established UL; generally well-tolerated up to 5,000 mg/day
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Maca help with Menopause-Related Weight Gain?
            
        
        

            Based on 5 studies with 300 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Maca may support Menopause-Related Weight Gain management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Maca should I take for Menopause-Related Weight Gain?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 3,000-5,000 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Maca?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Insomnia (if taken late), GI discomfort, Jitteriness (at high doses). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Maca and Menopause-Related Weight Gain?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 5 peer-reviewed studies with 300 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Related Evidence





            

                
                

                    
Other ingredients for Menopause-Related Weight Gain

                    

                        
                        
                            Vitamin D
                            C

                        
                        
                    

                

                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    












    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.