Maca dosage recommendations
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Human Maca Dosage Recommendations for Sexual Function and Libido
Research in humans has explored maca root dosages primarily for sexual dysfunction and libido. In a double-blind, randomized study, adults with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction were given either 1.5 g/day or 3.0 g/day of maca. Only the higher dose (3.0 g/day) led to significant improvements in sexual function and libido, while the lower dose did not show significant effects. Both doses were well tolerated, suggesting that 3.0 g/day may be an effective and safe dosage for these purposes in adults . Another study in healthy men used 1.5 g/day and 3.0 g/day for 12 weeks and found no significant changes in reproductive hormone levels, indicating these doses are safe and do not disrupt hormone balance .
Animal Maca Dosage Recommendations for Livestock and Laboratory Animals
Rams and Lambs
In livestock, maca supplementation has been tested at various dosages. For rams, dietary supplementation up to 15 g/kg of feed was found to be safe and beneficial for liver function and blood metabolites, with no adverse effects on plasma electrolytes . In another study, weaning lambs and mature rams received 200–400 mg/kg body weight (lambs) and 50–100 mg/kg body weight (rams) of maca powder daily, resulting in improved growth, reproductive parameters, and semen quality. The best results were seen at 200 mg/kg for lambs and 50 mg/kg for rams .
Rabbits
For rabbit bucks, oral administration of black maca nano-emulsion at 60 mg twice weekly for 10 weeks improved semen quality, testosterone levels, and fertility outcomes. Higher doses (120 mg and 180 mg) were also tested, but 60 mg was the most effective and recommended .
Rats
In male rats, maca was administered at 15 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg body weight daily for 15 days, with both doses improving sexual performance, though some effects were more pronounced at the higher dose . For fertility and spermatogenesis, doses up to 666.6 mg/day were used, showing dose-dependent improvements in sperm count and testicular function .
In Vitro and Cellular Studies
In cell culture studies, maca extract at concentrations below 3 mg/mL did not negatively affect porcine fibroblast growth or proliferation, while 2 mg/mL enhanced adipocyte differentiation. Doses above 3 mg/mL reduced cell proliferation, suggesting lower concentrations are safer for cellular applications .
Maca Dosage for Antifatigue Effects
Animal studies on antifatigue effects used maca polysaccharide at 50–100 mg/kg body weight per day in mice, with higher doses (100 mg/kg) providing the most significant improvements in endurance and biochemical markers of fatigue . Another study used maca extract at 0.13, 0.27, and 0.80 g/kg body weight per day, with the highest dose (0.80 g/kg) significantly improving physical endurance and reducing fatigue markers .
Conclusion
For humans, a daily dose of 3.0 g of maca root appears effective and safe for improving sexual function and libido, with no significant hormonal disruption 19. In livestock, safe and beneficial dosages range from 5–15 g/kg of feed for rams , 200 mg/kg for lambs, and 50 mg/kg for rams . In rabbits, 60 mg twice weekly is recommended . For laboratory rats, effective doses range from 15–75 mg/kg body weight for sexual function and up to 666.6 mg/day for fertility 38. In cell studies, concentrations below 3 mg/mL are safe . For antifatigue effects in animals, 50–100 mg/kg body weight per day is effective 56. Always consult a healthcare or animal nutrition professional before starting supplementation.
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