Jessica,
Maca is, as you note, a food. While anything, including foods can be harmful to some, the presumption that a food is "unsafe" bc it has not been through RCTs is absurd. I searched pub med and found no evidence that sweet potatoes are safe either. So, the presumption is bc we eat them they are (well we actually mostly eat yams), but if a food is native to another culture is it dangerous? 

Many mothers take maca to increase fertility, even throughout their pregnancies and very commonly while breastfeeding, especially in Peru. It is an adaptogen, which are my favorite herbs in general for breastfeeding. I have several clients taking it now who are finding it very energizing, but those who have thyroid issues do best with the gelatinized version. 

Here are a couple of links to share with mommas:

http://www.mommypotamus.com/maca-energy-bar-recipe/


This one is a manufacturer:
http://organicindiausa.com/blog/shatavari-and-maca/

For Breastfeeding: Both may be used, depending on the estrogen levels of the nursing woman. If her estrogen is low, use Shatavari. If high, reach for the Maca.

I hope this helps. 




Date:    Wed, 29 Apr 2015 20:04:43
-0400
From:    "Jessica L. Callahan" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: maca root -
jennifer tow

I had a mother ask if maca root is safe to take while
breastfeeding.  I couldn't find a reliable link anywhere. Jennifer i provided
the mother with a page that had your email on it to have her contact you.
Although I was hoping you could share your input here. It wasn't mentioned in
any nursing herbal book i have but i did see that in peru it is a common food
source for all ages.

jessica callahan IBCLC




Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, USA & France
Intuitive Parenting Network, LLC



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