Consumer group says garlic's cholesterol claim misleading

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- A consumer activist group urged U.S. regulators Tuesday to halt what it said were misleading claims by health-food makers that garlic supplements will lower blood cholesterol levels.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest cited a report published in October by researchers with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services who found garlic supplements do not lower cholesterol levels for an amount of time long enough to help the user.

The consumer group asked the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission to order garlic supplement manufacturers to refrain from making the health claims.

The federal researchers evaluated 37 trials that tested the effect of garlic on blood cholesterol levels. Small reductions occurred when participants consumed garlic for one to three months, but not when they took it for six months or longer.

"Since prolonged elevation of blood cholesterol levels promotes cardiovascular disease, a product that lowers levels for only a few months is virtually useless," said David Schardt, a nutritionist with the consumer group.

The group said garlic supplements made by Kwai, One A Day, Nature Made, Centrum, and Life Extension all claimed to reduce cholesterol.

The FDA regulates labels on foods and dietary supplements, while the FTC has authority over advertising.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Center for Science in the Public Interest
Federal Trade Commission
The Garlic Information Center

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