A nutritionist, Dr Mary Mgbekem, says people must understand their health status before consuming garlic supplements.
She noted that the use of garlic supplements may be harmful to health by causing other drugs to be less effective, especially in those with certain health conditions like heart diseases and HIV.
Dr Mgbekem, who is an Associate Professor, Department of Nursing Science, University of Calabar, Cross River State explained that the use of supplements for good result cannot be generalised as there are reported concerns about garlic use as a supplement for some people, especially those with certain health conditions.
Furthermore, a study published in American College of Cardiology asserts that garlic (along with green tea, ginkgo and ginseng) can interfere with the efficacy of some heart medications and or increase their side effects.
It has also been reported that too much garlic can cause a bleeding risk for people on anti-coagulation like warfarin or prescribed aspirin regimen.
The nutritionist also said that people with stomach cancer and helicobacter pylori, cystic fibrosis and cancer of the oesophagus are restricted from garlic supplements.
Today, other claims are made concerning the benefits derived from garlic. These include lower blood pressure and cholesterol, an anti-inflammatory effect, a reduced risk of cancer and a stronger immune system. While many of these claims are overemphasised, there is evidence of some health benefits.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has not approved garlic for medicinal use and categorises it as a food substance. It, however, warned that while garlic may have some benefit for preventing the common cold, there is no good evidence to support using it for COVID-19.
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