Discover the Benefits of Maca for Athletes
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Time to read 3 min
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an Andean root that has been used for centuries in the Peruvian Andes for vitality, energy, endurance and overall balance. Today, it is incorporated into many sports and wellness routines, provided that its real benefits and the limits documented by research are understood.
This guide presents what the available studies show about maca: its relevance for libido, its place in a sports context, the different varieties available and how to incorporate it wisely.
🌱 Force Addict Pro Expert Tip
Maca does not act like a harsh stimulant. Its value is built through consistency, supporting vitality and perceived energy. It is particularly relevant when training, sleep and nutrition are already well structured — it never replaces them.
Maca and libido: what research shows
Dording et al. (2008, CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics) conducted a double-blind, randomized pilot study comparing a dose of 1.5 g/day and 3.0 g/day of maca in 20 patients in remission from depression with sexual dysfunction related to antidepressant treatment (SSRIs). Subjects receiving 3.0 g/day showed a significant improvement in sexual function and libido scores, unlike the lower-dose group. Although conducted in a small, specific population, this study suggests a potentially dose-dependent effect of maca on libido.
Stone et al. (2009, Journal of Ethnopharmacology) studied athletes directly: 8 trained cyclists followed a randomized crossover protocol of 14 days of maca extract supplementation versus placebo. Self-assessed sexual desire improved significantly with maca, both compared with baseline and with placebo. For cycling performance (40 km time trial), maca showed a significant improvement compared with baseline, but not compared with placebo — an important nuance that calls for caution regarding pure performance claims.
Key takeaways on libido and performance
The two available studies point to a positive effect of maca on sexual desire. However, regarding pure physical performance, the evidence remains preliminary: the pilot study in cyclists did not show clear superiority over placebo. Larger trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Benefits for athletes
Maca may support vitality, perceived energy and motivation. Its role in bodybuilding remains indirect and less documented than that of other supplements. To build muscle, the proteins and creatines collections remain priorities, as their effectiveness is much better established. For solid training foundations, see our complete training guide.
The different colours of Maca
| Variety | Common positioning |
|---|---|
| Yellow maca | The most common — daily vitality and well-being |
| Red maca | Often associated with general health |
| Black maca | Popular in performance and men's vitality routines |
It is important to note that most available clinical studies have been conducted with extracts not specified by colour or with standard maca: differences in effects between colours remain more of a commercial distinction than one scientifically established to date.
⚠️ Force Addict Pro Expert Tip
Maca is not a substitute for medical advice in cases of hormonal disorders, persistent sexual dysfunction or ongoing medication. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms recur or worsen.
🔥 Support your vitality naturally
Discover our selection of maca and superfoods to support your daily energy and vitality.
Recommended products and collections
- Maca 120 capsules Hiro.Lab: convenient daily intake;
- Tribulus Terrestris: complementary collection focused on men's vitality;
- Creatine Monohydrate Hiro.Lab: for strength and performance, better documented than maca in this area.
To learn more
- Discover Ashwagandha and its benefits
- Tribulus Terrestris: libido, vitality and natural performance
- Bodybuilding guide: training, tips and mistakes
- Creatine: a key supplement for sports performance
Scientific references
- Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G, et al. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008;14(3):182–191. doi:10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00052.x
- Stone M, Ibarra A, Roller M, Zangara A, Stevenson E. A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;126(3):574–576. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.012
Key takeaways
Maca is an Andean superfood whose effect on libido is supported by two controlled trials, including one conducted directly in athletes. However, its impact on pure physical performance remains less clearly established, as the available data are preliminary and derived from small samples.
Include it as part of a well-structured sports routine — never as a replacement for the fundamentals of progressive training, protein intake and recovery. Find all the supplements selected to support your vitality at Force Addict Pro.
Questions fréquentes
Retrouvez les réponses aux questions les plus courantes avant votre achat.
La Maca est-elle utile pour les sportifs ?
Oui, la Maca peut soutenir la vitalité, l'énergie perçue et l'équilibre général. Son intérêt est surtout indirect : meilleure motivation, tonus plus stable, accompagnement des périodes de fatigue. Elle ne remplace pas l'entraînement, l'alimentation ou la créatine.
La Maca augmente-t-elle la testostérone ?
Les données sont nuancées. Selon une étude publiée dans Andrologia, la Maca peut améliorer le désir sexuel sans modification directe de la testostérone. Il vaut mieux la considérer comme un soutien global de la vitalité plutôt qu'un booster hormonal direct.
Quelle différence entre Maca jaune, rouge et noire ?
La Maca jaune est la plus courante pour la vitalité quotidienne. La rouge est souvent associée à la santé générale. La noire est populaire dans les routines performance et vitalité masculine. Ces distinctions restent à interpréter avec prudence car les données chez l'humain sont encore limitées.
Quand prendre la Maca et à quelle dose ?
Les études utilisent généralement entre 1,5 g et 3 g par jour de poudre. En gélules, il est préférable de suivre les recommandations du fabricant. Elle peut être prise le matin, avant l'entraînement ou avec un repas pour améliorer la tolérance digestive.
Peut-on associer Maca et Ashwagandha ?
Oui, cette association est fréquente dans les routines vitalité, stress et équilibre général. La Maca soutient l'énergie et la vitalité, tandis que l'Ashwagandha agit sur la gestion du stress et la récupération nerveuse. Il convient de respecter les dosages recommandés pour chaque complément.
Combien de temps faut-il pour ressentir les effets de la Maca ?
Comme la plupart des plantes adaptogènes, la Maca ne produit pas d'effet immédiat. Une utilisation régulière sur plusieurs semaines est nécessaire pour observer des effets potentiels sur la vitalité, l'énergie et l'équilibre général.