Many people add vitamins and herbal supplements to their daily routine, believing they are a simple way to support good health.
However, products sold without a prescription are not always risk-free, especially for those already taking medication.
According to guidance from the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the NHS and Harvard Health, one widely used supplement may interact with several commonly prescribed medicines, reports Mirror.
A common supplement
The warning concerns garlic supplements, which are frequently promoted for their potential benefits for heart health, cholesterol and blood pressure.
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While these products remain popular, health experts say the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is still limited and inconsistent.
More importantly, concentrated garlic supplements may alter the way certain medicines work in the body, making them unsuitable for some people.
Who should be cautious?
The British Heart Foundation advises that garlic supplements can interact with anticoagulants, including warfarin, which are prescribed to help prevent blood clots, strokes and heart attacks.
Harvard Health also notes that the supplements may affect some cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure medications.
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People taking prescription medicines should always speak with a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplement, particularly if they are using:
- Warfarin or other anticoagulants
- Cholesterol-lowering medication
- Blood pressure medication
Fresh garlic is different
Experts emphasise that the warning applies to concentrated garlic supplements rather than fresh garlic used in everyday cooking.
Eating garlic as part of a balanced diet is generally considered a healthier approach than relying on tablets or capsules.
The British Heart Foundation also says there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend garlic supplements for improving heart health.
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Instead, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following prescribed treatment and discussing any supplements with a healthcare professional remain the safest approach for people managing cardiovascular conditions.
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This article is made and published by Mie Hermansen, who may have used AI in the preparation.