About This Article
Zoom Baby has more than 20 years’ experience helping people understand fertility, ovulation and conception. This article looks at maca, its traditional use as a supplement and what current evidence tells us about its possible role in male and female fertility.
Published: 2015 | Last Updated: 2 September 2026 | By: Anthony Cunningham
Maca is a traditional herbal supplement sometimes used by people trying to conceive, although evidence that it improves fertility remains limited.
Contents
What Is Maca?
Maca is an herbaceous biennial root vegetable in the same family as cabbage. It is native to Peru, where it has traditionally been cultivated in the high Andes and has a long history of use as a food and herbal supplement.
The traditional use of maca in relation to sexual health and reproduction is nothing new. Maca contains a range of nutrients and plant compounds and has been studied for possible effects on sexual function and fertility. However, traditional use does not necessarily mean that a supplement has been clinically proven to improve fertility, and evidence in humans remains limited.
There is currently not enough reliable human evidence to conclude that maca improves egg quality, embryo quality, pregnancy rates or live-birth rates in women. Anyone experiencing difficulties conceiving should seek appropriate medical advice rather than relying on a herbal supplement as a fertility treatment.
Male Fertility
Maca has also been investigated for possible effects on male reproductive health. Some small studies have looked at sperm concentration, motility and other semen parameters, but results have been mixed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials concluded that the effects of maca on semen quality remain unclear and that larger, better-quality studies are needed.
If you and your partner are trying to have a child, it is therefore best not to regard maca as a proven way to increase your chances of conception.
You can take maca on its own or as part of a wider supplement containing vitamins and botanicals. One example is Wellman Conception by Vitabiotics, a nutritional supplement formulated specifically for men who are trying for a baby.
Where Is Maca Sold
Maca is available over the counter and without a prescription at health food stores and other places where dietary supplements are sold. It is available in capsules, tablets or loose powder. At Zoom Baby we have been selling maca for a number of years, including a straightforward maca root supplement for customers who choose to include it in their diet.
Finding the Right Maca Supplement
At Zoom Baby, we offer Maca for Fertility tablets. Each bottle contains 100 tablets containing 500mg of maca root powder. Maca should be viewed as a dietary supplement rather than a proven fertility treatment. If you are taking medication, other supplements or herbal remedies, or have concerns about your fertility, speak to a healthcare professional for advice.
Maca Root 500mg – 100 Tablets
If you choose to add maca to your diet, Maca Root 500mg tablets provide a simple tablet format containing maca root powder. Maca is a dietary supplement and should not be considered a substitute for fertility assessment or treatment.
How Is Maca Used
If you choose tablets or capsules, follow the directions supplied with the particular product. Maca powder can also be added to food or drinks. Claims that maca needs to be taken for a particular period before improving fertility are not supported by sufficiently strong evidence, so it is better not to expect a specific fertility effect or timescale.
Overall, maca is a traditional plant-based supplement that has attracted interest for its possible effects on reproductive and sexual health. Research into male fertility has produced mixed results, while reliable evidence for improved female fertility or pregnancy outcomes is lacking. If you are trying for a baby, established preconception advice such as taking recommended folic acid, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical advice when appropriate remains more important. If you or your partner take medicines or herbal remedies while trying to conceive, discuss them with your GP or another healthcare professional.
About the Author
Anthony Cunningham, BA (Hons), MA, is a UK-based fertility testing expert and editor with over 20 years’ experience running Zoom Baby, a trusted source for accurate pregnancy, ovulation and fertility tests and testing guidance. He creates clear, evidence-based articles using NHS guidance, professional fertility resources, and conception planning best practices. Where possible, content is reviewed by fertility specialists and healthcare professionals to enhance accuracy and reliability, helping readers make informed testing decisions.
