The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recommended a daily allowance of garlic, and people are encouraged to talk to their physician before taking any herbal supplements. Those who choose to take garlic supplements should be sure that the supplements are well coated (enteric coated), so that the garlic is not broken down within the stomach before it can pass into the small intestine and be absorbed. Also, herbal supplements should be taken only as prescribed. Experts generally recommend eating between 0.5 and 2 cloves of garlic per day. It should be noted that eating even small amounts of garlic often leads to both bad breath and body odor, as the sulfur is both breathed and sweated out of the body. Some people may also experience heartburn and/or gas.

Unless otherwise instructed by their physician, people should refrain from eating large amounts of garlic or taking garlic supplements if they:

In conclusion, garlic may have some benefits for heart health, as well as other medicinal properties. However, like all vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, it should only be taken responsibly after talking with a physician.