Garlic Consumption and Cholesterol

Garlic supplements have been marketed as a natural agent with cholesterol-lowering properties, but previous studies have failed to conclusively support this assertion. In this trial, researchers randomized 192 adults with LDL cholesterol levels of 130–190 mg/dL and triglyceride levels <250 mg/dL to one of four groups: raw garlic, one of two garlic supplements (powdered, or aged garlic extract), or placebo.

Patients received the preparations (which were the approximate equivalent of a 4-g clove each day) 6 days a week for a total of 6 months. At the end of the trial, none of the three forms of garlic had had any significant effect on LDL, HDL, triglycerides, or total cholesterol levels.