We often hear the ‘myth’ that dietary supplements are not regulated so how can they be safe to take. While yes, you should ask questions and be wary of claims that sound too good to be true, if you take a little time to check on the products you are buying you can be assured that they are safe for you and your family. We always say, trust but verify.
Is Aged Garlic Extract Safe?
The first thing to know is that the FDA does monitor the manufacture of dietary supplements. They have established a set of rules and standards that a manufacturer must follow in order to qualify for GMP certification (Good Manufacturing Process). These extensive quality control standards include everything from raw materials to ingredient potency and accuracy to production to packaging and distribution. Annual audits are performed to ensure the standards are followed. The FDA has the power to recall products at any time. So, the first thing you want to know is the company that makes the supplements that you are using is cGMP compliant. Wakunaga of America was one of the first companies to receive certification as a GMP facility back in the 1980s.
In addition, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have enforcement programs to protect consumers from false and misleading claims about the safety and benefits of products marketed as dietary supplements. Both agencies have authority over the marketing of these products. Check the labels and the promotional materials of the products you are using. Are they making outlandish claims to cure cancer or other miraculous results? Then they are violating the laws. Report them to the FTC.
The best way to answer the question “Is Aged Garlic Extract safe?” is with scientific studies. But even here it is a good idea to look closely at what the product or brand is claiming. There have been extensive studies done on most of the primary nutrients used in dietary supplements, like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and the fish oil used in omega-3 supplements. If your supplement states that they are clinically studied, or tested, or documented, it may be referring to general studies done on one or more of the ingredients that are contained in the product. If you want to go to the next level of verification, check to see if the supplement has studies on its exact formulation. Are the studies of the highest standard — double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and peer-reviewed? Even when studies are funded by the company that produces the product, if they have been published in peer-reviewed journals, the results are not prejudiced to the product, they are honest assessments of whatever the study set out to discover about how a nutrient performs or a combination of nutrients.
Read more about our rigorous quality control standards.
The Science Behind Aged Garlic Extract
Speaking of science, there are over 870 peer-reviewed published scientific articles on Aged Garlic Extract to back up the safety and efficacy of this unique nutrient. Here are examples of clinical studies that show Kyolic AGE’s efficacy in supporting heart health, gut health, and even gingivitis.
Learn more about the science behind our Aged Garlic Extract.
- In this study,1 Dr. Karin Reid of the National Institute of Integrative medicine in Melbourne, Australia has discovered that a daily dose of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract not only reduces blood pressure, it also improves the bacterial balance in the gut.
- This study,2 which was published in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Research, shows that a daily dose of Kyolic Formula 108 Total Heart Health reduced coronary artery calcification (CAC) by an impressive 65%. A related study also found that Kyolic Formula 108 didn’t just prevent calcium buildup, it also influenced two typed of fat involved in heart disease: brown fat and white fat.
- This double-blind, placebo-controlled study,3 which was conducted at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, looked at the impact CoQ10 had on a group of firefighters at moderate risk of heart disease. At the end of the study, the UCLA researchers found that the firefighters taking the AGE/CoQ10 supplement has significantly fewer coronary artery calcium deposits in their arteries and lower C reactive protein levels than those taking the placebo. These actions translated to a lower risk of future cardiovascular issues.
- Yet another study,4 which was published in the Journal of Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, reported that supplementing with Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract effectively reduced blood pressure in people with hypertension, while also improving arterial stiffness and gut microbiota.
- Finally, according to this Israeli study5 conducted at the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, taking a daily dose of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract can effectively reduce gum inflammation and bleeding in those with the disease.
FAQ’s about AGE safety
Are there any side effects?
Our Aged Garlic Extract is safe to take and is generally well tolerated unless you are allergic or sensitive to garlic or any compounds in garlic.
How long until I see improvement?
As with any dietary supplement, results vary from individual to individual. We generally recommend taking the product for one to three months before evaluating.
Can you take this while pregnant?
The safety of our AGE has been confirmed in preclinical studies in each trimester of pregnancy. Although AGE has been successfully recommended for 60 years as an over-the-counter (OTC) for pregnant women in Japan, we always recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider before use.
Looking for more information about Aged Garlic Extract? We answer all of your pressing questions in our Ultimate Guide to Aged Garlic Extract.
References
- Ried K, Travica N, Sali A. The effect of kyolic aged garlic extract on gut microbiota, inflammation, and cardiovascular markers in hypertensivesL the gargic trial. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2018; 5:122.
- Budoff M, Ahmadi N, Tsimikas S, et al. Relation of oxidative biomarkers, vascular dysfunction, and progression of coronary artery calcium. American Journal of Cardiology. 2010; 15;105(4):459-66.
- Budoff M, Zeb I, Ahmadi N, Nasir K, et al. Aged garlic extract and coenzyme Q10 have favorable effect on inflammatory markers and coronary atherosclerosis progression: A randomized clinical trial. Journal Cardiovascular Disease. 2012;3(3):185-90.
- Reid, K. Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, improves arterial stiffness and gut microbiota: A review and meta-analysis. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. 2020;19:1472-1478.
- Zini A, Mann J, Mazor S, et al. The efficacy of aged garlic extract on gingivitis – a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Dentistry. 2018; 29(2):52-56.
This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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