Mission Viejo, CA—Aged garlic is well-known as a heart health aid; but now, a group of researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, has found that aged garlic and other ingredients benefit bone health, too.

Some 60 individuals at intermediate risk for atherosclerosis were given a placebo or a branded supplement (Kyolic Formula 108 from Wakunaga of America, based here) that contained: aged garlic extract (250 mg), vitamin B12 (100 μg), folic acid (300 μg), vitamin B6 (12.5 mg) and l-arginine (100 mg). The regimen was continued for one year. At baseline and after a year, the subjects’ atherosclerosis was measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC) and bone mineral density (BMD) scans.

After one year, the team found a “a significant correlation” between CAC increase and BMD decrease; previous studies have indicated that low BMD is correlated with severe atherosclerosis. Also, the supplement group had less arterial calcification and higher bone mineral density than the placebo group. The researchers stated, “the risk of CAC progression and reduced BMD was 65% and 68% less in AGE+S as compared to placebo cohort (P<0.05).”

These findings were presented at the 2011 American Heart Association symposium in November.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, January 2012 (online 11/22/11)