Meta-Analysis on Garlic and Cholesterol Management

Because conflicting data exists, Australian researchers have finished what they say is the most comprehensive meta-analysis of studies on garlic (Allium sativum) and cholesterol management.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide gathered data from 39 garlic trials on subjects with high cholesterol. Studies measured for changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. When garlic preparations were consumed for more than two months daily, subjects experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol (17 +/-6 mg/dL) and LDL cholesterol (9 +/-6 mg/dL). Such improvements, according to the researchers, can be associated with a 38% reduced risk of serious cardiovascular events at 50 years of age.

Tolerability of garlic products was high across all studies, suggesting that garlic can be a safe alternative to conventional cholesterol-lowering medications for those with slightly high cholesterol.