Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is grown at high altitudes in the Andes region of central Peru. It has been traditionally used for centuries as a food source and general energy tonic. More recent scientific data suggests that "gelatinized" Maca may help support healthy sexual activity and male fertility. The raw Maca root material is certified organic, but the vegetable capsule is not, so the finished product is not certified organic. Gelatinization is a process that removes starch from Maca to yield a more concentrated product. "Gelatinized" does not refer to "gelatin" and no animal-derived ingredients are incorporated into this process.