Hong Kong’s Depression Index Hits a Record: How Is Your Brain Health?

What nutrients are in black maca, and why do they matter for brain health?

Looking after your emotional wellbeing can include paying attention to sleep, stress and what you eat. The brain and nervous system need a range of nutrients to function normally, including iron, magnesium, zinc and certain B vitamins.

A 2024 research reports that maca contains a range of minerals and vitamins, including iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6. Nutrient composition can vary with the colour of the maca, growing conditions and processing, so the amounts in individual black maca powders will differ.

Each nutrient has a role in the body:

• Iron contributes to the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body, including to the brain. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
• Magnesium plays a part in normal nervous system function and the processes through which the body uses energy.
• Zinc is involved in many cellular processes and in normal brain and nervous system function.
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the production of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is involved in mood regulation.
• Vitamin B2 helps the body release energy from food and maintain normal cell function.

These are functions of the nutrients themselves. They do not mean that eating black maca will necessarily produce a particular effect on mood or brain health. The nutritional contribution of a serving depends on the product and the amount consumed. Adding black maca to a varied diet is one way to enjoy this Peruvian plant food.

Black maca’s plant compounds: what are scientists studying?

Maca also contains plant compounds, including macamides and glucosinolates. Researchers are interested in how these compounds relate to health, and laboratory and animal studies have explored black maca in connection with brain functions such as learning and memory.

These findings give researchers reasons to investigate further, although more human research is needed. For everyday use, Pachamama Hong Kong’s organic black maca powder can be added to breakfast or a drink according to the product directions, as one small part of a self-care routine.

Why are Hong Kong’s depression and anxiety figures drawing attention?

The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong and CUHK’s Department of Social Work conducted the seventh Hong Kong Depression Index Survey in 2025. It gathered 2,695 valid responses through street booths and an online questionnaire. The reported average depression score was 7.27 and the average anxiety score was 5.90, both the highest recorded in the survey series.

Among respondents aged 18–24, 43.5% fell within the moderate-to-severe depression range and 32.7% within the moderate-to-severe anxiety range. The survey also found a significant positive association between screen time and depression and anxiety scores. These findings highlight concerns among respondents, but a questionnaire score alone cannot diagnose an individual with depression.

Read the CUHK survey announcement and the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong’s survey information.

When your mood feels low or changeable, notice what is happening

An occasional low mood does not, by itself, mean someone has depression. But persistent low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, or reduced energy that interfere with work, study or relationships are reasons to speak with a doctor or mental health professional.

Some practical first steps:

1. Notice changes: Keep track of shifts in mood, sleep, appetite and everyday activity.
2. Talk to someone you trust: This could be a friend, family member or professional.
3. Keep basic routines where possible: Regular sleep, balanced meals and suitable physical activity can be part of everyday self-care.
4. Seek help early: If distress persists or gets worse, contact a doctor or mental health service rather than relying on a food supplement alone.

Black maca and mood: what does the research say?

Black maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root food native to Peru’s Andes. Researchers have explored maca in relation to mood, stress responses and brain-related measures, but the evidence remains limited. Products, preparations and study populations also vary.

A small study, researchers included 29 postmenopausal Chinese women in Hong Kong. It studied maca, not a product specifically identified as black maca. The researchers reported a decrease in depression symptom scores during the maca treatment period. However, the study was small and short, and involved a specific age and health group. It does not show that black maca treats depression or mood swings in the wider population. 

A 2023 study investigated maca-derived extracellular vesicles in mice. Animal research can help explore possible biological mechanisms, but it is not a substitute for human clinical trials and does not prove that black maca powder has an antidepressant effect in people. iMeta study

Black maca is not a treatment for depression

There is not enough reliable human evidence to show that black maca can:

• Treat depression or anxiety
• Stabilise mood or relieve mood swings
• Improve brain health or cognitive function
• Replace psychotherapy, medication or a medical assessment

If you are experiencing persistent low mood, insomnia, anxiety or mood changes, do not rely on black maca as treatment or stop prescribed medication without speaking to your clinician.

Peruvian black maca from Pachamama Hong Kong: a food choice, not a treatment

Pachamama Hong Kong sells dried Peruvian superfood powders, including black maca. If you are considering adding black maca to your diet, read the product label and follow its directions. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, ask a doctor or pharmacist first.

When choosing a product, check:

• Whether the ingredient source and product information are clear
• Whether directions and cautions are provided
• Whether it suits your dietary needs

Black maca may be one food choice in a daily diet, but it should not be presented as a way to treat emotional distress or improve brain health. Pachamama Hong Kong sells Peruvian food supplements, not mental health treatment.

If emotional distress persists, seeking help matters

The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong’s survey found that more than half of respondents would not seek professional help or were unsure whether they would. If you have been feeling low for a sustained period, are struggling with everyday life, or notice significant changes in someone close to you, consider contacting a doctor, mental health professional or trusted support service.

If there is an immediate safety concern, or you are worried you may harm yourself, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.