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Is odorless garlic okay to take before and/or during pregnancy? |
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People use garlic as a natural alternative to prevent plaque buildup on the arteries, lower high blood pressure, and reduce coughs, colds, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. Allicin is the active ingredient in garlic. Garlic is best eaten raw and the most potent garlic preparations are the ones made at home. Although raw garlic is the most potent, most folks who take garlic take it in supplemental form to avoid garlics strong odor. Garlic is considered to have very low toxicity and is listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States. Side effects that have been reported by those taking garlic supplements include headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, dizziness described as vertigo (feeling as if the room is spinning), and allergies such as an asthmatic reaction or contact dermatitis (skin rash). Because garlic has blood-thinning properties, there are some individuals with certain medical conditions that should not use garlic supplements or medicinal doses of garlic. Anyone who is already pregnant or trying to conceive should speak with their health care provider before beginning garlic supplementation. Tanya Jolliffe, Babyfit Nutritionist |
