Swanson Kyoto Brand Aged Black Garlic

Our assessment

The evidence shows that the primary active ingredient in this product is calcium. For general bone health, calcium is a well-supported mineral, but the specific formulation of "aged black garlic" does not have sufficient data in the provided information to make a separate assessment. Our analysis focuses on the calcium component, as that is the only data available [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is essential for maintaining a strong skeleton. It also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. Regarding calcium, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high levels of calcium in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data not available for side effects specific to aged black garlic.

Our recommendation

If you are taking this product for the calcium content, be aware of the potential risks with high intake. Do not exceed the recommended daily allowance without consulting a healthcare provider. If you take any of the listed medications, separate your calcium dose by at least 2 hours. For the "aged black garlic" component, data not available to make a recommendation. Speak with your pharmacist to review all your current medications and health conditions [NIH ODS].

Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:

• Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
• Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
• % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
• Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
• Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.

Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide