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From immune enhancement to cancer prevention, garlic may support health in many ways. What many people don’t know, however, is that there is some controversy about the most effective form of garlic people should take. One of the biggest concerns about garlic is whether it is still active by the time it gets to the shelf for purchase. It is important to select a garlic product that guarantees potency. Keep in mind that raw garlic is more potent than cooked garlic, because heat inactivates the enzyme allinase. Allinase gives garlic its odor and stimulates the formation of allicin, which scientists believe may be the key to garlic’s health-enhancing properties.
There are odorless garlic preparations that provide alliin, a precursor to allicin. Alliin is converted (to some extent) to allicin in the body and allows for efficacy without all the odor.
Interactions
Dosage Range
400mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day, equivalent to 1200mg of fresh garlic OR 10mg of alliin providing 4mg of total allicin potential (TAP), daily; also, 600mg (standardized, aged extract), 1-3 times a day.
Most Common Dosage
400mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day equivalent to 1200mg of fresh garlic OR 10mg of alliin providing 4mg of total allicin potential (TAP), daily; also 600mg (standardized, aged extract), 2 times a day.
Standardization
[span class=doc]Standardization represents the complete body of information and controls that serve to enhance the batch to batch consistency of a botanical product, including but not limited to the presence of a marker compound at a defined level or within a defined range.[/span]
The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to 10-12mg/gm alliin and 4mg of TAP per dose; aged garlic products should be standardized to contain 1mg/gm S-allyl cysteine (SAC) content per dose.
Garlic’s usefulness in promoting overall health is wide-ranging. Many studies have suggested that garlic may aid in the prevention of such major cardiovascular conditions as heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke. These benefits are probably due to garlic’s ability to lower total cholesterol, LDL, or "bad," cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase HDL cholesterol, the so-called "good" cholesterol. (1) , (2) , (3) In addition, garlic may support the overall health of the circulatory system, which may play a role in lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. (4) , (5) , (6) Rounding out garlic’s benefits for the cardiovascular system is its function as an antioxidant and its role in preventing stroke and arteriosclerosis. (7)
Garlic use has been reported to be useful in treating mild high blood pressure in both animal and human studies. (8) , (9) , (10) There are likely multiple reasons why garlic may lower blood pressure, (11) , (12) , (13) , (14) but many experts feel that further research should be performed in this area. (15)
Garlic has also shown promise in both the prevention and treatment of cancer. (16) Studies have found that cultures with a high garlic intake have comparatively low cancer rates. (17) Scientific studies have also suggested that garlic may inhibit the formation of nitrosamine, possibly reducing the role of nitrosamine in cancer. (18)
Studies have looked at garlic’s potential for fighting infection and detoxifying the body. The active components allicin and alliin may have anti-infective effects against bacteria and fungi. (19) , (20) , (21) Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for many peptic ulcers, is one species of bacteria that garlic has been reported to inhibit. (22) , (23) Garlic may also help in the detoxification of heavy metals from the body, including lead. (24)
Finally, studies have also shown that certain types of aged garlic have been reported to protect the liver from potentially harmful chemicals and drugs. (25) , (26) , (27)
Introduction
[span class=alert]Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.[/span]
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. (28) However, large doses of this dietary supplement used over a long period of time are not recommended. (29)
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. This dietary supplement may cause the presence of garlic odor, stomach/intestinal distress or irritation may be present at the beginning of use. (30) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away.
Pregnancy/ Breast Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.