by Carmen Mattes, Master Herbalist
When shopping for a Maca supplement, buy only pure Maca from reputable companies that have knowledge and expertise in Maca.
Specifically:
- Look for a brand that only uses pure, authentic Maca, traditionally cultivated in the Andean mountain plateaus of Peru.
- Only buy pure Maca root, not the stem, leaves, etc, as some unscrupulous producers will use the entire plant even though only the root has medicinal properties. Beware of companies that cut their Maca root powder with rice flour, maltodextrin or other cheap fillers and excipients.
- Look for Maca that is grown organically and processed following organic standards for highest quality. Certified organic Maca is even better because then you can be certain it is organically farmed.
- Choose gelatinized Maca for greater potency and optimal absorption. Gelatinization is an extrusion process that removes the starch from the root leaving a more concentrated powder that is easier to digest. Gelatinized Maca was the form used in the first human clinical study on Maca that yielded great results. Plus if buying in the powdered form, gelatinized Maca tastes much better and mixes easier into food and beverages.
- Because Peru is a third world country, look for companies who employ fair trade practices with local farmers and support traditional farming and sustainable harvesting to ensure the long-term health of Maca and its environment.
Keep in mind that when it comes to Maca, you truly do get what you pay for. For example, organic certification and gelatinization are very expensive benefits but for many consumers it may be worth the extra investment for the peace of mind, assurance of quality and likely greater efficacy.
“I highly recommend the MacaSure brand of Maca root extract made by Sequel Naturals. It is the only brand of Certified Organic Maca available in Canada plus it is gelatinized for greater potency and absorption. MacaSure is the only brand of Maca I use myself and in my practice.”
Carmen Mattes, Master Herbalist
