Maca
Lepidium meyenii Walp.
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Safety Notes
Maca contains goitrogens (glucosinolates) that can interfere with thyroid hormone production, particularly in large amounts or alongside a low-iodine diet — anyone with a thyroid condition should consult a healthcare provider before use, and gelatinized (cooked) maca is the gentler choice if you do. Those with a hormone-sensitive condition (breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate cancer; endometriosis; PCOS; uterine fibroids) should avoid maca, since its effects on hormone-related tissue are still not well understood. May have a mild blood-pressure-lowering effect — use caution alongside antihypertensive medication. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Choose a reputable source — a documented case of elevated blood lead levels has been linked to contaminated maca supplements, likely from soil or processing conditions.
This is educational information, not medical advice. See our full Disclaimer before use.
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