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Odor Controlled Garlic

Also known as: Garlic, Odor-controlled garlic, Aged garlic extract, Enteric-coated garlic supplements, Allium sativum

Overview

Garlic (*Allium sativum*) is a plant in the Allium family, widely recognized for its culinary and medicinal uses. It contains sulfur compounds, notably allicin, believed to be responsible for its biological effects. Garlic is available in various forms, including raw garlic, powdered supplements, and aged garlic extract, each with varying levels of active compounds. It is often promoted for potential health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, boosting antioxidant activity, and preventing the common cold. However, the efficacy of garlic supplements varies significantly depending on the formulation and the bioavailability of allicin. Research on garlic supplements is extensive, but results are often conflicting, necessitating careful interpretation of study findings. While some studies suggest potential benefits, many have methodological limitations, such as inconsistent potency of garlic preparations, which can affect the reliability of the results. Therefore, while garlic is generally considered safe, its purported health benefits require further high-quality research to substantiate.

Benefits

The primary claimed benefit of garlic supplements is cholesterol lowering, but high-quality studies have shown that neither raw garlic nor commercial garlic supplements significantly lower LDL-C concentrations. A study involving 192 adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia found no statistically significant effects on LDL-C levels over a 6-month period. Another potential benefit is the prevention of the common cold. One systematic review and meta-analysis identified a single trial suggesting garlic supplements could reduce the incidence of the common cold, with participants taking garlic supplements experiencing fewer occurrences compared to the placebo group over 12 weeks. However, this finding is based on limited evidence and requires further confirmation. While garlic is alleged to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, the evidence from high-quality studies is limited and inconclusive for these specific benefits.

How it works

Garlic's active compounds, particularly allicin, are believed to interact with various biological pathways. When garlic is crushed or chewed, the enzyme alliinase converts alliin into allicin. Allicin is then converted into allyl sulfides, which may influence cardiovascular health and immune function. However, the exact mechanisms through which garlic exerts its effects are not fully understood. Garlic compounds can affect the cardiovascular system, immune system, and possibly the digestive system, although the evidence for significant clinical effects is limited. The bioavailability of allicin and other sulfur compounds varies significantly depending on the formulation, with enteric-coated garlic supplements and aged garlic extracts having different bioavailability profiles compared to raw garlic.

Side effects

Garlic supplements are generally considered safe, but they can cause side effects. Common side effects include bad body and breath odor, reported by a significant percentage of participants in studies, and flatulence. Uncommon side effects include rash, heartburn, and mouth ulcers, reported by a few participants. No serious adverse events were reported in the reviewed studies. Garlic supplements can interact with drugs, particularly those with narrow therapeutic indices, by affecting their absorption and metabolism. Caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulant medications due to potential interactions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before using garlic supplements due to the lack of comprehensive safety data. It's important to note that these interactions are drug-specific and depend on the type and quality of the supplement.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of garlic supplements is not established, as current evidence does not support significant clinical benefits at any dose. Studies have used doses equivalent to an average-sized garlic clove (approximately 4 grams) per day, 6 days a week, but this did not yield significant benefits. There is no established maximum safe dose, but high doses may increase the risk of side effects such as bad odor and flatulence. No specific timing recommendations are supported by the evidence. Enteric-coated garlic supplements may offer better bioavailability of allicin compared to other forms, but this does not translate into significant clinical benefits. The bioavailability of garlic compounds can be influenced by the formulation and storage conditions. There are no known cofactors required for the efficacy of garlic supplements.

FAQs

Are garlic supplements safe to take?

Garlic supplements are generally safe but can cause side effects like bad odor and flatulence. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns or are taking medications.

When is the best time to take garlic supplements?

There is no specific timing or administration method that enhances the efficacy of garlic supplements. Follow the instructions on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional.

What results can I expect from taking garlic supplements?

Based on current evidence, garlic supplements are not expected to significantly lower cholesterol levels or provide other substantial health benefits. Manage expectations accordingly.

Do garlic supplements effectively lower cholesterol?

A common misconception is that garlic supplements can effectively lower cholesterol levels, which is not supported by high-quality evidence. Consult a healthcare provider for effective cholesterol management strategies.

Research Sources

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/411743 – This RCT involving 192 adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia found that neither raw garlic nor commercial garlic supplements significantly lowered LDL-C concentrations over a 6-month period. The study was well-designed, but the results were negative, indicating no significant benefits for cholesterol lowering.
https://www.science.gov/topicpages/e/enteric-coated+garlic+supplement – This source discusses enteric-coated garlic supplements and their potential bioavailability advantages. While enteric coating may improve allicin bioavailability, it does not necessarily translate into significant clinical benefits for conditions like high cholesterol or immune support.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2003/01/fresh-or-capsuled-stanford-researcher-studies-garlics-potency-as-a-supplement.html – This Stanford study investigated the potency of garlic as a supplement. The research found no significant effects of raw garlic or garlic supplements on cholesterol levels, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation of their efficacy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17325296/ – This meta-analysis examined the effect of garlic supplements in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The analysis was limited to one relevant trial, which suggested that garlic supplements could reduce the incidence of the common cold, but this finding requires further confirmation due to the scarcity of high-quality trials.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2007/02/stanford-study-drives-stake-through-claims-that-garlic-lowers-cholesterol-levels.html – This Stanford study further refuted claims that garlic lowers cholesterol levels. The research provided additional evidence that garlic supplements, regardless of the form, do not have a significant impact on cholesterol levels, reinforcing the need for cautious interpretation of their efficacy.