21st Century Garlic 20,000mg Tablet

21st Century Garlic 20,000mg Tablet is a once-daily garlic dietary supplement in tablet form. Each tablet contains 800mg of garlic concentrate made from the bulb of Allium sativum, which the product information states is equivalent to 20,000mg of fresh garlic. The “20,000mg” in the product name therefore refers to the fresh-garlic equivalent, not the weight of garlic concentrate in the tablet. It is supplied in a pack of 30 tablets, which is about a one-month supply at one tablet a day.

Garlic concentrates are made by drying and concentrating fresh garlic so that a larger amount of the bulb can be provided in a single tablet. Garlic contains naturally occurring sulphur compounds, such as alliin and the allicin formed from it when garlic is crushed, which give garlic its characteristic smell and are the components most studied in garlic research. The fresh-garlic equivalent is a way of expressing how much raw bulb was used to make the concentrate; it does not mean the tablet works like eating that much fresh garlic.

This tablet may suit adults who want a simple, once-a-day way to include garlic as a dietary supplement alongside a balanced diet. It is not a replacement for any prescribed medicine or for medical care. Because garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding and can interact with medicines such as blood thinners and the HIV medicine saquinavir, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting if you take regular medicines or are planning surgery.

Swallow one tablet whole with a glass of water after a meal. Do not chew the tablet. Taking it after food may help reduce stomach upset and garlic aftertaste. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your pharmacist for advice rather than crushing or splitting the tablet.

Adults: 1 tablet daily after any meal, or as directed by your healthcare provider. Please confirm this against the directions on the product label.

Do not take more than 1 tablet a day unless advised by a healthcare professional. Not intended for children. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next tablet at the usual time — do not take two tablets together.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity. Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use and keep out of reach of children. Follow any storage instructions printed on the product label.

• Common: Garlic breath or body odour, and a garlic aftertaste or repeating (burping).
• Common: Stomach upset, heartburn, gas, bloating or nausea — taking the tablet with meals may help.
• Less common: Diarrhoea or loose stools.
• Serious: Unusual bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding gums or blood in urine or stools — stop the product and seek medical advice promptly.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing — stop the product and seek urgent medical help.

• Allergy to garlic or other plants in the onion (Allium) family, such as onion, leek or chives, or to any ingredient in this product.
• Bleeding disorders (such as haemophilia), a low platelet count or active bleeding.
• Planned surgery or dental procedures — stop taking garlic supplements at least 2 weeks beforehand.
• People taking saquinavir or other HIV medicines, unless the treating doctor has approved it, because garlic supplements can lower the levels of some HIV medicines.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding — garlic supplements above normal food amounts are not recommended unless advised by a doctor.
• Children, unless recommended by a doctor.

• Anticoagulants: Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran and heparins — garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding; use only with your doctor’s approval and monitoring.
• Antiplatelet medicines and NSAIDs: Aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, ibuprofen, naproxen and similar medicines — combined use may add to bleeding risk.
• Saquinavir and other HIV medicines: Garlic supplements have been shown to substantially lower blood levels of saquinavir and may affect some other HIV medicines, which can reduce their effectiveness.
• Other supplements: Ginkgo, nattokinase, high-dose fish oil, high-dose vitamin E and other garlic products may further increase bleeding risk; avoid doubling up.
• Duplicate supplementation: Avoid taking this tablet together with other garlic tablets, capsules or garlic-containing combination supplements, as this increases total garlic intake.

• One tablet a day is enough — the 20,000mg on the label is the fresh-garlic equivalent, not a reason to take more.
• Take the tablet after a meal to reduce stomach upset and garlic aftertaste.
• Pick a regular time, such as after breakfast or dinner, so it is easier to remember.
• Check your other supplements for garlic so you do not double up.
• Tell your doctor or dentist you take garlic before any surgery or procedure, and stop at least 2 weeks beforehand.
• Speak to your pharmacist first if you take blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs or HIV medicines.

Precautions: Garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, so take extra care if you use anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines or NSAIDs, have a bleeding disorder, or are due for surgery or dental work (stop at least 2 weeks before). Garlic can reduce blood levels of saquinavir and may affect other HIV medicines. Those with stomach ulcers, reflux or a sensitive stomach may experience irritation. Supplement amounts are not recommended in pregnancy, breastfeeding or for children unless a doctor advises. A natural ingredient does not guarantee safety for everyone.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take regular medicines — particularly blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs or HIV treatment — or have a long-term health condition. Stop taking the tablet and seek medical advice if you develop unusual bruising or bleeding, ongoing stomach pain, or signs of allergy such as rash, swelling or difficulty breathing.