Medicinal Ingredient (per 1 capsule)
Organic Maca ....... 0.8 g (800 mg)
(Lepidium meyenii Walp., Hypocotyl)

Non-Medicinal Ingredients
Magnesium stearate, Organic Pullulan Capsule, Seaweed Extract

Recommended Dose
Adult (Males): 2 Capsules 2 times per day.

Cautions and Warnings
If you suffer from any psychological disorder and/or condition such as frequent anxiety or depression, consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use.
If you have high blood pressure, consult a health care practitioner prior to use.
If you are taking blood thinners, consult a health care practitioner prior to use.
If you are taking antidepressants, consult a health care practitioner prior to use.

Q: What is the suggested use and who is this product intended for?
A: The suggested use is for adult males: 2 capsules, 2 times per day (4 capsules per day), providing 3,200mg of gelatinized black maca per day. This product is intended for adult males. Consult a healthcare practitioner to determine if this product is right for you and to confirm the appropriate dosage and duration of use for your individual needs.

Q: What makes black maca different from yellow and red maca?
A: Maca hypocotyls are classified by colour into yellow, red, and black varieties, each with a distinct phytochemical profile. Black maca is the rarest, comprising approximately 15% of the total Peruvian maca harvest, compared to yellow maca at approximately 60% and red maca at approximately 25%. The colour differences reflect differences in anthocyanin and glucosinolate profiles. All three varieties contain the macamides and macaenes unique to Lepidium meyenii, but in different relative concentrations. Black maca has been specifically studied in the context of energy, endurance, and male vitality in the scientific literature, making it the variety most associated with these properties. Yellow maca is the most abundant and most broadly studied variety, while red maca has been studied for more specific applications. Black maca's relative scarcity and specific research profile make it the most specialized of the three varieties.

Q: What is gelatinized maca and why is it used in this formula?
A: Gelatinized maca is maca that has been processed through a heat and pressure treatment that gelatinizes and removes the starch from the raw maca hypocotyl. Raw maca hypocotyl contains approximately 60 to 75% starch by dry weight, which can be difficult to digest, particularly in raw powder form. In Peru, maca is traditionally consumed cooked rather than raw, as cooking breaks down the starch and improves digestibility. Gelatinization replicates this traditional cooking process in a controlled way. Removing the starch produces a more concentrated maca product with a higher proportion of bioactive compounds per gram, including macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, and alkaloids. Gelatinized maca is also significantly easier to digest than raw maca powder, making it gentler on the stomach. The gelatinization process also reduces the glucosinolate content of the maca, which is relevant for individuals with thyroid concerns.

Q: What are macamides and why are they important for assessing maca quality?
A: Macamides are N-benzyl fatty acid amides that are unique to Lepidium meyenii and are not found in any other plant. Along with their fatty acid precursors called macaenes, they are the primary bioactive compounds associated with maca's energy and vitality supporting properties. Macamides are found exclusively in the maca hypocotyl and are the primary marker compounds used to assess maca quality and potency. The concentration of macamides in a maca product is one of the key indicators of its quality and authenticity. A high quality maca supplement should contain meaningful levels of macamides, and gelatinized maca concentrates these compounds by removing the inert starch that dilutes them in raw maca powder.

Q: What is a pullulan capsule and why is it used instead of gelatin or hypromellose?
A: Pullulan is a natural polysaccharide produced by the fermentation of tapioca starch by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. Pullulan capsules are fully vegan, non GMO, and have excellent oxygen barrier properties that help protect the maca content from oxidation. This formula uses an organic pullulan capsule, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians without the use of gelatin (which is animal derived) or hypromellose (HPMC, a semi-synthetic cellulose derivative). Pullulan capsules are considered a premium vegan capsule option and are used in high quality supplement formulations where oxygen protection and clean label credentials are priorities. The organic pullulan capsule is consistent with the certified organic positioning of this formula.

Q: What is seaweed extract doing in this formula as a non medicinal ingredient?
A: Seaweed extract is used as a natural excipient in this formula, functioning as a binder or flow agent to support consistent capsule filling and product stability. It is a natural, plant derived ingredient consistent with the clean label and organic positioning of this formula. Seaweed derived excipients are used in supplement manufacturing as natural alternatives to synthetic binders and flow agents.

Q: How many days does the 150 capsule bottle last at the suggested dose?
A: At the suggested dose of 4 capsules per day (2 capsules, 2 times per day), the 150 capsule bottle provides approximately 37 days of supply. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs, as individual doses may vary.

Q: How does gelatinized black maca at 800mg per capsule compare to raw maca powder?
A: The comparison involves two distinct differences: the form (gelatinized vs. raw) and the dose per capsule. Gelatinized maca has had its starch removed, meaning that 800mg of gelatinized maca contains a higher proportion of bioactive compounds (macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, alkaloids) per gram than 800mg of raw maca powder, which contains 60 to 75% starch. At the suggested dose of 4 capsules per day, this formula delivers 3,200mg of gelatinized black maca daily, which represents a substantially higher effective dose of bioactive compounds than an equivalent weight of raw maca powder would provide. For comparison, the InkaMaca Organic Yellow Maca Powder delivers 3g of raw maca per tablespoon; the gelatinized black maca capsules deliver 3,200mg of starch-free concentrated maca per day.

Q: Are there important safety warnings I should know before using this product?
A: Yes. The following cautions apply to this product. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you suffer from any psychological disorder or condition such as frequent anxiety or depression. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you have high blood pressure. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking blood thinners. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking antidepressants. Additionally, maca belongs to the Brassicaceae family and contains glucosinolates; individuals with thyroid conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use, as glucosinolates can interfere with thyroid function. Note that gelatinization reduces the glucosinolate content compared to raw maca. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Q: Is this product certified organic and what does Pro Cert certification mean?
A: Yes, this maca is certified organic by Pro Cert, a Canadian organic certification body accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Pro Cert certification means the maca has been grown and processed according to Canadian organic standards, without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and that the supply chain from farm to finished product has been independently verified to meet these standards. Organic certification provides assurance of both agricultural practices and supply chain integrity.

Q: Is this product suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
A: Yes. The maca hypocotyl is a plant, entirely plant derived. The capsule shell is made from organic pullulan, a fermented tapioca starch polysaccharide, not gelatin or any animal derived material. The non medicinal ingredients (magnesium stearate, organic pullulan capsule, seaweed extract) are all plant derived or mineral based. This product is non GMO and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.