Effects of Garlic Supplementation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults: A Comprehensive Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Behrouz et al., 2026 | Nutr Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Behrouz Vahideh, Zahroodi Mehrnaz, ... Rivaz Raha. Effects of Garlic Supplementation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults: A Comprehensive Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutr Rev. 2026-Jan-01;84(1):1-35. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuaf090

Abstract

CONTEXT: Garlic is a well-known ingredient in cooking and has a long history in traditional Asian medicine. Recently, there has been increased interest in its possible protective benefits against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While many studies have examined garlic's impact on CVD risk factors, the results have varied. New clinical trials have also been conducted that may provide more definitive insights. OBJECTIVE: We performed a comprehensive updated meta-analysis to assess the validity of earlier research on garlic's role in managing CVD. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge from their inception until June 2024, utilizing pertinent keywords. DATA EXTRACTION: This review encompassed all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the impact of garlic intake on CVD risk factors in adults. A meta-analysis was executed employing random-effects models, and subgroup analyses were carried out to investigate differences based on dosage, duration, intervention types, health status, and initial risk profiles. DATA ANALYSIS: Ultimately, 108 trials involving 7137 participants were incorporated into this meta-analysis. Consumption of garlic resulted in a significant improvement in serum levels of triglycerides (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -5.82, 95% CI: -8.16 to -3.49 mg/dL), total cholesterol (WMD: -10.21, 95% CI: -13.69 to -6.74 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [WMD: -5.90, 95% CI: -10.51 to -1.29 mg/dL], HDL cholesterol (WMD: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.49 to 2.87 mg/dL), fasting blood glucose (WMD: -2.77, 95% CI: -5.25 to -0.28 mg/dL), insulin (WMD: -1.74, 95% CI: -2.26 to -1.22 mU/L), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (WMD: -0.37, 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.15), systolic blood pressure (WMD: -3.71, 95% CI: -5.07 to -2.36 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -1.97, 95% CI: -2.86 to -1.08 mmHg], aspartate aminotransferase (WMD: -2.85, 95% CI: -4.95 to -0.74 IU/L], C-reactive protein (WMD: -1.6, 95% CI: -2.38 to -0.82 mg/L), tumor necrosis factor-α (WMD: -3.94, 95% CI: -5.17 to -2.72 Pg/mL), total antioxidant capacity (WMD: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.76 mmol/L), and malondialdehyde [WMD: -1.03, 95% CI: -1.38 to -0.68 nmol/mL]. Conversely, garlic did not influence apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B, alanine aminotransferase, interleukin-6, body mass index, weight, or adiponectin (all P ≥ .05). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that garlic intake significantly improves key cardiovascular risk markers, including lipid profiles, glycemic indices, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers, particularly in adults with unfavorable baseline risk factors. These findings suggest that garlic may enhance cardiovascular health in high-risk populations. Further research involving larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and enhanced methodological rigor is essential to draw definitive conclusions.

Key Findings

This meta-analysis demonstrates that garlic intake significantly improves key cardiovascular risk markers, including lipid profiles, glycemic indices, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers, particularly in adults with unfavorable baseline risk factors. These findings suggest that garlic may enhance cardiovascular health in high-risk populations. Further research involving larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and enhanced methodological rigor is essential to dr

Outcomes Measured

• blood pressure
• systolic blood pressure
• diastolic blood pressure
• inflammatory markers

Population

MeSH Terms

• Humans
• Garlic
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Dietary Supplements
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Heart Disease Risk Factors
• Adult
• Triglycerides
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Female

Evidence Classification

• Level: Meta Analysis
• Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
• Vertical: garlic

Provenance

• PMID: 40580481
• DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaf090
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09