Clearing Up the Confusion Over Garlic

I am responding to the article “Herbal Renewal” (Nov. 30), by Shari Roan.

I contest your garlic “thumbs down” claim. Garlic is a phyto nutrient-containing supplement that has been used for controlling cardiovascular risk and inflammatory conditions. It has also been shown to have a positive effect on immune function.

Controversy has surrounded the topic of the best form of garlic supplementation. The best form is probably whole raw garlic, but some individuals can’t consume it. For them, garlic concentrates that are unadulterated are best.

Unfortunately, your article validates further a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Assn., “Effect of a Garlic Oil Preparation on Serum Lipoproteins and Cholesterol Metabolism--A Randomized, Controlled Trial.” This article stated that garlic oil supplements had no positive effects on serum lipoproteins or cholesterol in human volunteers. This study has been discussed in the media.

I want to clarify that investigators used a garlic concentrate that was basically steam-distilled garlic oil bound to a matrix of beta-cyclodestrine.

--R. DREW FRANCIS

West Los Angeles