Buying Aged Garlic Extract: What to Look ForUpdated a month ago

While Dr. Berg provides educational resources on the powerful health benefits of aged garlic, we do not manufacture, sell, or endorse any aged garlic products, nor do we provide specific brand recommendations. 

If you are looking to purchase an aged garlic extract (AGE) supplement on your own, utilizing the following best practices will help ensure you select a high-quality, effective product: 

1. Look for Standardized S-Allylcysteine (SAC) Content 

The aging process converts the harsh, unstable compounds in raw garlic (like allicin) into stable, highly bioavailable, and water-soluble antioxidants. The most crucial of these compounds is S-allylcysteine (SAC). 

• Best Practice:Check the supplement facts label to ensure the product standardizes the exact amount of SAC. A quality extract should explicitlystateits SAC content (often listed as a percentage or specific milligram amount per serving) to guarantee potency.

2. Confirm the Aging Process Length 

True aged garlic is not just dehydrated or heated; it undergoes a meticulous, proprietary aging process. Raw garlic slices are typically stored in an aqueous ethanol solution in stainless steel tanks for up to 20 months at room temperature. 

• Best Practice:Ensure the manufacturer specifies that the garlic has been naturally aged for a significant period (ideally up to 20 months). This extended extraction processeliminatesthe harsh odors and irritating compounds, making it much gentler on the stomach than raw garlic or standard garlic powders.

3. Choose "Odorless" Naturally 

One of the primary benefits of the natural aging process is that it inherently neutralizes the volatile sulfur compounds responsible for strong garlic breath and body odor. 

• Best Practice: Look for products labeled as naturally odorless. If a standard garlic supplement requires artificial coatings or heavy deodorizers to mask the smell, itlikely hasn'tundergone the genuine, long-term aging process that creates true aged garlic extract.

4. Verify Third-Party Testing and Purity 

Because dietary supplements are not strictly regulated for purity before hitting shelves, checking for independent verification is essential. 

• Best Practice:Purchase from brands thatutilizecurrent Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and offer third-party testing (such as NSF, USP, orConsumerLab). The ingredient list should be clean, with minimal binders, fillers, or artificial flowing agents.

5. Match the Form to Your Preference 

Aged garlic extract is widely available in several delivery methods, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. 

• Best Practice:Choose the form that best fits your daily routine. Liquid extracts are highly bioavailable and easily added to water or juice, while capsules and tablets offer a convenient, taste-freeoptionfor precise daily dosing. Always follow the specific manufacturer's usage instructions listed on the bottle.