Garlic is available both as a food and as a supplement. Eating raw garlic or taking garlic supplements may help to lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure and decrease your risk for heart disease, clogging of the arteries, cancer and the common cold, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, you should speak with your doctor before taking garlic supplements as these are not safe for everyone.
Possible Side Effects
Garlic is safe for most people. Some people are allergic to garlic, and experience side effects including swelling, hives and difficulty breathing. Other people have experienced bad breath, body odor, diarrhea, dizziness, eczema, fatigue, heartburn, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, muscle aches, nausea, sweating, upset stomach, vomiting or burning of the mouth, throat or stomach after taking garlic.
Interactions
Garlic supplements can interact with medications for blood sugar control, NSAIDs, protease inhibitors, blood-thinning medications, aspirin, heparin, saquinavir, antiplatelet medications, tinzaparin, ardeparin, danaparoid, dalteparin and enoxaparin. Speak with your doctor; if you take these medications, you may not be able to take garlic supplements.
Warnings
Do not take garlic supplements before surgery, having a baby or dental work, or if you have a bleeding disorder, as they may increase your risk for bleeding. Follow the directions that come with your supplements or use garlic as directed by your doctor. Don't take multiple forms of garlic at one time, as this may increase the side effects and risks of taking garlic supplements.
Considerations
Using garlic in food doesn't usually cause any problems for people, as these amounts are relatively small compared to the amounts used for garlic supplementation. The amount of active ingredients in both fresh garlic and garlic supplements varies based on how it is prepared and where it is grown. Use standardized garlic supplements for best results.
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