Maca root, often promoted as “Peruvian ginseng,” is a plant native to the high-altitude Andes mountains, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Botanically known as Lepidium meyenii, this cruciferous vegetable root is traditionally consumed both as a food source and as a general health tonic by the indigenous people of the region. In modern global markets, maca has gained significant attention as a dietary supplement, primarily due to its purported ability to support hormone balance, increase energy, and enhance fertility. This popular usage in preconception and fertility circles naturally leads to questions about its safety when a pregnancy is achieved, specifically regarding the potential for miscarriage.
Understanding Maca Root’s Reproductive Effects
Maca root is commonly characterized as an adaptogen, meaning it is thought to help the body regulate its response to stress and support overall endocrine function. It contains unique compounds called macamides and macaenes, which are believed to interact with the body’s systems to promote hormonal balance without introducing external hormones. This supportive effect on the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands is the primary reason individuals take it while trying to conceive.
The specific color of the maca root often dictates its traditional reproductive focus. Black maca is frequently linked to improvements in male fertility, with some studies suggesting it can enhance sperm count and motility. Red maca is often suggested for female hormone balance, particularly for conditions like bone density and managing menopausal symptoms. Yellow maca is the most widely available type, used for general well-being and libido enhancement in both men and women.
The Direct Question: Maca Root and Miscarriage Risk
The fundamental challenge in directly answering whether maca root causes miscarriage is the absence of robust, large-scale human clinical trials. Ethical considerations prohibit conducting studies where a potentially risky substance is tested on pregnant individuals, meaning there is no scientific data to definitively guarantee its safety or confirm a risk. The lack of evidence regarding an abortifacient property—the ability to cause the termination of a pregnancy—means medical professionals cannot rule it out entirely.
While maca is traditionally consumed as a staple food throughout pregnancy in its native Peruvian regions, this cultural practice is not equivalent to modern scientific validation of safety. Furthermore, concentrated supplement forms available globally may differ significantly from traditional food preparation. Limited preclinical animal studies, primarily involving rodents, have generally indicated low toxicity, but these results cannot be directly extrapolated to guarantee the safety of a developing human fetus.
A theoretical concern arises from the mechanism for which maca is popular: its influence on hormone pathways. Pregnancy requires carefully orchestrated, constantly shifting hormone levels, such as progesterone and estrogen, to maintain the uterine lining. Any substance that purports to alter the endocrine system could, in theory, interfere with this delicate hormonal environment. This lack of certainty about its effects, including the potential for teratogenicity (causing birth defects), is a substantial reason for medical caution.
Safety Profile and Regulatory Status
Maca root is sold in the United States and many other countries as a dietary supplement, a regulatory category distinct from pharmaceuticals. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require supplements to undergo pre-market testing for effectiveness or safety. Instead, the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the product is safe and accurately labeled before it is sold.
This regulatory structure creates a risk that consumers must be aware of, particularly concerning product quality. Cases have been reported where maca products were found to contain undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, such as sildenafil, which poses a serious health risk, especially when combined with certain medications. There is also a risk of contamination, including lead, which is a significant concern for pregnant individuals due to the severe risks to fetal development.
In the general population, maca is considered likely safe when consumed in food amounts, and non-severe side effects are rare. Mild adverse effects, generally occurring at higher doses, include gastrointestinal upset or mild insomnia. These side effects are minor compared to the quality control and regulatory issues inherent in the supplement market.
Medical Consensus and Precautionary Guidance
The uniform stance among healthcare providers is to advise against the use of maca root during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. This recommendation is a direct consequence of the scientific uncertainty and the lack of clinical data demonstrating safety for the pregnant person and the developing fetus. When safety data is unavailable, the standard medical approach is to prioritize the avoidance of all unverified substances.
Individuals taking maca for fertility support who discover they are pregnant should immediately cease consumption. It is imperative to schedule a consultation with an obstetrician or primary care provider to discuss the supplement history. A medical professional can then assess the situation and provide guidance.
For those who are nursing, the recommendation for avoidance is similar due to unknown effects on the infant. Scientists have not studied whether active compounds, such as glucosinolates and macamides, pass into breast milk or what effect they might have on a newborn. In both pregnancy and lactation, the guiding principle is that potential risks outweigh unproven benefits.