Take 1-1.5 tsp per day of our Activated Yellow Maca or 2-3 tsp per day of our Activated Chocolate Maca for a min 6-12 weeks. For recipe ideas of how to include maca in your daily routine download our recipe booklet here or watch our recipe channel here.

The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine system, sits at the base of the throat and produces thyroid hormones and calcitonin. Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolic rate as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood and bone maintenance. Thyroid hormones are produced through a complex cycle and controlled regulatory feedback. First, the hypothalamus excretes a releasing factor (TRH) to stimulate the production of thyroid secreting factor (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland. Then, TSH initiates the synthesis and release of thyroid hormone (TH) from the thyroid gland (Figure 1). The thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and are partially composed of either three or four iodine molecules, hence an association with iodine-based treatments for thyroid related issues. High levels of TH reduce gene transcription of components for TRH and TSH production, reducing their relative concentrations and acting as a homeostatic feedback loop¹. Breakdown of TH is done by proteins composed of selenium, and therefore is an essential dietary element in healthy thyroid function. A blood test for TSH is the primary means of screening for thyroid dysfunction². Thyroid disorders are uniformly observed more commonly in women than men³.

Figure 1. Thyroid hormone production

Hypothyroidism is when there are low amounts of TH. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in countries with sufficient iodine intake⁴. Conventional treatment is levothyroxine, a synthetic version of TH. Other conditions can cause low, but not deleterious effects of TH, for instance, menopause. Furthermore, it has been shown that rebalancing thyroid function can enhance libido.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Weight gain
• High cholesterol
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Myxedema (an oedema-like skin condition)
• Anxiety
• Heart palpitations
• Decreased sweating
• Memory loss

Common causes of hypothyroidism:

• Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
• Iodine deficiency
• Hormonal changes (menopause etc)
• Following surgery or radioiodine therapy (supplemental iodine)
• Congenital abnormalities
• Adverse drug effects (e.g. IL2, Lithium⁵)

Conversely, hyperthyroidism is characterised by elevated circulating free thyroid hormones. It is estimated that in Western culture, approximately 1.2 per cent of people have hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism⁶.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Insomnia
• Decreased heat tolerance
• Hand tremor
• Depression
• Anxiety

Sometimes:

• Chest pain
• Diarrhoea
• Hair loss
• Muscle weakness

Common causes

• Graves’ disease
• Inflammation of the thyroid
• Overactive thyroid nodules
• Pituitary adenoma
• Taking too much iodine or thyroid medication
• Tumours

Either hyper- or hypothyroidism can induce a generalised enlargement of the thyroid (a goitre). Thyroid hormones during pregnancy are subject to variation and should be carefully treated and monitored by a physician³. An adequate supply of nutritional selenium, iodine, iron, and vitamin D support a healthy, functional thyroid^7,8. Dietary supplementation may be sufficient to reduce the symptoms of low thyroid hormone.

The Peruvian root vegetable maca, is often taken for the prevention of chronic diseases and maintenance of healthy endocrine function⁹. Maca is a type of cruciferous vegetable in the Brassica family, which are species often contraindicated in those with thyroid issues. However, traditionally maca is consumed by chopping, sun drying, and cooking the roots, which breaks down the glucosinolates often found in Brassica plants^10,11 and protects the thyroid gland. Cooking maca does not change the nutritional quality of the product. Primarily, chopping and heating reduce the activity of myrosinase that produces isothiocyanate¹², often avoided by those with thyroid conditions. Isothiocyanates are believed to reduce iodine uptake into the thyroid as the gland is more selective for these molecules than iodine. Therefore, maca should always be cooked – a dogma to which all our products adhere. It is therefore important to use an activated (heat-treated) maca for those with thyroid issues. All our maca is activated so does not require cooking before use. In Peru yellow maca is commonly used to support a healthy thyroid function and is sun-dried and boiled into teas, broths, porridge of soups and taken daily.

Maca contains many compounds that can treat the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, for example, iron and selenium. In a safety trial, black and yellow maca extracts were shown to be well-tolerated and safe¹³. In women, it was demonstrated that thyroid activity was not reduced after taking activated (heat-treated) maca¹⁴. Studies like this confirm the safety of using maca in this patient group to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with thyroid dysregulation.

Taking our heat-treated maca powder can reduce symptoms of low thyroid function, such as fatigue , as shown in endurance tests^15-17. Taking maca can also relieve depression¹⁸, a common symptom between hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, maca has anti-inflammatory properties¹⁹, which can be postulated to reduce thyroiditis conditions. Activated maca can restore heathy levels of TSH, as seen in a small study of overectomised rats²⁰. These studies suggest the that regular consumption of an activated (heat-treated) maca may benefit thyroid function-related symptoms, and won’t negatively impact thyroid function and thyroid hormonal levels.