Aged Garlic Extract (AGE)

This is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a "best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute personal advice.
It is essential that you discuss medical matters with your doctor. Please read the site terms of use.

Whilst allicin is usually considered the most powerful active ingredient in garlic, it is certainly not the only one. As well as being powerful allicin is also volatile and difficult to commercialise. Partly for this reason there has been a lot of research into the possible health benefits of garlic products that do not contain allicin.

One of the most well known garlic supplements is Aged Garlic Extract (AGE). This is marketed under the trade name kyolic by the Wakunaga Company.

What Is Aged Garlic Extract?

AGE is, as the name suggests, produced by aging garlic It is sliced, macerated and kept in water or alcohol for up to two years before being turned into a dietary supplement. (NOTE: raw garlic should never be stored in oil at room temperature - see warnings).

The resulting aged garlic extract does not contain allicin but is high in water soluble phytochemicals such as diallyl sulphides.

Is Aged Garlic Extract Better Than Allicin?

There is a great deal of debate between the proponents of AGE on the one hand and supporters of allicin on the other. There is research showing that both have potential health benefits for some individuals. Those benefits will undoubtedly be different but it is difficult to say which is "better".

AGE has the advantage that it does not cause the breath to smell. It might also be more suitable for those who are sensitive to the strength of allicin. However it has the disadvatage that you need to buy it at the store rather than just crushing an inexpensive garlic clove and adding it to your food.

Personally I am fortunate enough to have a high tolerance for raw garlic so I've never felt the need to try AGE. If you think it might be for you I'd recommend asking your doctor for advice.

This site is not associated with or endorsed by the Wakunaga Company. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

External Links:
Antioxidant Health Effects of Aged Garlic Extract
Aged garlic extract - research from Google Scholar

Garlic Central is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a "best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute personal advice. Always discuss medical matters with your doctor. Please read the site terms of use.