Research suggests that maca may support energy production and reduce fatigue-related biological markers, though the available evidence is limited to a single animal study. In this preclinical study, rats supplemented with maca demonstrated improved swimming endurance, lower blood lactate levels, reduced oxidative stress, and increased activity of proteins linked to mitochondrial energy production compared to unsupplemented animals. These findings point to plausible biological mechanisms, including antioxidant support and enhanced cellular energy metabolism, but the study was conducted in rats using forced exercise protocols, which may not translate directly to human physiology or real-world fatigue. Until well-designed human clinical trials are conducted, conclusions about maca's effects on energy and fatigue in people remain preliminary.
Citations from PubMed and preprint sources. Match score (0-100) reflects automated search ranking, not clinical appraisal.
| Title | Type | Year | Direction | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maca could improve endurance capacity possibly by increasing mitochondrial bi... | Other | 2022 | Supports | 72 |