Garlic is a potential herb used for medical and nutritional purposes. People enjoy garlic by adding it to food and spices. The health benefits of garlic are well-documented. People either eat crushed raw garlic or choose a garlic supplement to enjoy its health benefits.
Why choose Allicin supplements?
Allicin is the active compound in garlic, responsible for its distinctive aroma and renowned health benefits. It is formed when garlic is chopped, crushed or chewed. When alliin and alliinase come into contact and combine, they create allicin.
The main consideration is that allicin is naturally unstable and degrades quickly when exposed to heat or stomach acid. This is why allicin supplements are available in the market.
Brands implement special methods to stabilise or extract allicin.
Again, there is a difference; not all garlic supplements are created equal.
“Not all garlic supplements provide bioavailable allicin, and product quality varies significantly.”
What are the best forms of garlic and allicin supplements?
We can find many research studies where different types of garlic are used. It includes:
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garlic extract providing allicin or potentially providing it from an allicin precursor, alliin)
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aged garlic
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fresh garlic
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dried garlic/garlic powder.
Allicin Supplements are available as:
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Enteric-coated tablets which bypass stomach acid and may yield allicin in higher amounts.
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Non-enteric tablets
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Capsules
Allicin bioavailability depends on:
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manufacturing procedures and coatings
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meal conditions, like when supplements are consumed, whether with a high or low protein meal
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Garlic food preparation conditions like temperature.
What is the dosage of garlic or allicin in supplements?
You should consult your healthcare provider before starting garlic or allicin supplements. There are many high-quality supplements available in the market. Ensure that you read the label and check the dosage and serving size.
The infographic below represents some of the product labels we have collected from best-selling supplements on our website. This shows how brands maintain transparency in providing important information to customers.
They also mention the terms standardized, which means the manufacturer guarantees a specific amount of an active compound.
Garlic side effects
Common side effects of garlic include bad breath and gastrointestinal upset. Other side effects of allicin supplements include nausea, diarrhea, heartburn and gas.
Aged garlic and odour-controlled garlic do not cause bad breath.
Garlic has potential drug interactions as well.
As mentioned in the MSD manual, garlic supplements may interact with medications that prevent blood clots and increase the risk of bleeding. This is the main reason why garlic should not be consumed 2 weeks before surgery.
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It may interact with medications used to treat HIV infections, making them less effective.
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It may also interact with medications that lower blood glucose further, leading to excessive hypoglycemia.
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If someone is already taking antihypertensive drugs, adding garlic supplements can enhance the blood-pressure–lowering effect and further cause low blood pressure.
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Garlic may cause allergic reactions and shouldn't be consumed if you are allergic to Hyacinth, tulip, onion, or similar plants.
How to choose garlic supplements?
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Garlic supplements are made from dried and powdered fresh garlic, aged garlic extract or garlic oil. They are available as capsules or tablets.
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If you are worried about bad breath or an upset stomach after taking garlic supplements, you may look for supplements that use odorless garlic or aged garlic extract.
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Always choose a supplement manufactured by reputable brands that use third party testing.
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You may choose enteric-coated pills, which help absorption and reduce odor
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Always check the list of key active compounds on the product label.
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Always make sure to confirm a standardised amount of allicin or SAC
Resources:
Ayan Chatterjee, Parna Chatterjee, Ashi Ramavat. Role and Responsibility of Allicin for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology.2023; 16(12):6055-1. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2023.00983
Lawson LD, Gardner CD. Composition, stability, and bioavailability of garlic products used in a clinical trial. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Aug 10;53(16):6254-61. doi: 10.1021/jf050536+. PMID: 16076102; PMCID: PMC2584604. (Source)
