What the evidence says
Meta-analyses of clinical trials, including Ried 2016 in the Journal of Nutrition, found that garlic supplements, many using aged garlic extract, reduced blood pressure modestly in people with high blood pressure. The effect was smaller or absent in people with normal blood pressure.
Not a replacement for medicine
Never stop or reduce prescribed blood pressure medicine to take a supplement. Garlic can add to the effect of these medicines, so talk to your GP before combining them.
What makes the biggest difference
The Heart Foundation recommends a healthy diet lower in salt, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, not smoking and regular check-ups. Supplements can only play a small supporting role.
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What the studies found
In an Australian dose-response trial, people with uncontrolled high blood pressure who took aged garlic extract for 12 weeks had lower average systolic blood pressure than those on a placebo. A later review of several trials reported similar modest average reductions.
Results varied a lot between people, and people with normal blood pressure saw little change.
What the evidence can't tell us
A Cochrane review concluded there wasn't enough evidence to say whether garlic reduces heart attacks, strokes or deaths in people with high blood pressure. Lowering a number on a blood pressure machine isn't the same as proven protection.
Garlic with blood pressure medicine
If you take blood pressure medicine, adding garlic could lower your blood pressure a little further. That's why it's important to tell your GP and keep up your regular checks. Dizziness or feeling faint is a reason to see your doctor.
Read next: Side effects · Garlic & blood thinners
What makes the biggest difference
For most people, the biggest blood pressure improvements come from:
- Taking prescribed medicine as directed
- Cutting back on salt
- Regular walking or other activity
- Limiting alcohol
- Keeping a healthy weight
- Not smoking
Read next: Aged garlic benefits
Frequently asked questions
Does aged garlic lower blood pressure?
Some research suggests modest reductions in people with high blood pressure. It's not a substitute for medical treatment.
Does VitalFlush lower blood pressure?
VitalFlush itself hasn't been studied, and it shouldn't be used in place of prescribed medicine.
Can garlic replace blood pressure tablets?
No. Keep taking your prescribed medicine and talk to your GP before adding any supplement.
Does VitalFlush lower blood pressure?
VitalFlush itself hasn't been studied. Its main ingredient, aged garlic, has shown modest effects in people with high blood pressure at known doses.
How much garlic lowers blood pressure?
Studies used different doses of aged garlic extract. Follow your product's label and your doctor's advice.