What is aged garlic extract?
Aged garlic extract is made by steeping sliced raw garlic for many months. Ageing transforms the harsh compound allicin into milder, more stable compounds such as S-allyl cysteine, which gives aged garlic its low odour and makes it easier to standardise.
Aged garlic vs raw garlic
- Milder taste and much less garlic breath
- More stable compounds that don't break down as quickly
- Easier on the stomach for many people
- Raw garlic is cheaper and great in cooking, but hard to eat in consistent amounts
Forms available in Australia
In Australian chemists you'll mostly find aged garlic as tablets or capsules. Liquid drops, such as VitalFlush, are less common and suit people who don't like swallowing tablets.
See VitalFlush on the official Australian store
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How to choose an aged garlic supplement
- Look for the amount of aged garlic extract per serve on the label
- Check for an AUST L number on Australian products
- Choose a form you'll actually take every day
- Compare cost per day, not just cost per bottle
How aged garlic extract is made
Fresh garlic is sliced and soaked, often for up to 20 months. During this time, the harsh compound allicin breaks down into gentler, water-soluble compounds like S-allyl cysteine, which researchers use as a marker of quality.
Forms available in Australia
You'll find aged garlic in several forms:
- Tablets and capsules at chemists and health food stores (usually cheapest per day)
- Liquid extracts and drops, such as VitalFlush, sold online
- Combination products with other ingredients
Read next: Drops vs tablets · VitalFlush vs Kyolic
How to choose a good one
Look for:
- The amount of aged garlic extract per serve, in mg
- An AUST L number on the label
- A dose close to what's been studied
- A format you'll actually take every day
- A clear refund policy if buying online
Read next: Best garlic supplement · Aged garlic dosage
Aged garlic vs black garlic
They're different. Black garlic is whole garlic heated for weeks until it turns dark and sweet, and it's mainly used as food. Aged garlic extract is a liquid extract made for supplements. Most research is on aged garlic extract.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy aged garlic extract in Australia?
Tablets and capsules are sold at most chemists, including Chemist Warehouse and Priceline. Liquid drops like VitalFlush are sold online.
Does aged garlic extract smell?
Much less than raw garlic, because ageing converts the compounds that cause strong odour.
Is aged garlic extract good for you?
It's well studied and generally well tolerated, with some research suggesting modest heart health benefits. It isn't suitable for everyone, so check with your GP if you take medicines.
Where can I buy aged garlic extract in Australia?
Tablets and capsules are sold at most chemists and health food stores. VitalFlush drops are sold online at vitalflushau.com.
Is aged garlic better than raw garlic?
Aged garlic is milder and more consistent, and it's the form used in many studies. Raw garlic is still a healthy food.
Does aged garlic smell?
It usually has much less odour than raw garlic.