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Can Garlic Really Prevent the Common Cold? A Closer Look at the Science

The common cold is one of the most persistent and widespread viral infections globally, affecting most people several times each year. But what if a simple, natural supplement could significantly reduce your chances of catching it?

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted by Peter Josling at the Garlic Centre in East Sussex, UK, investigated exactly that—whether a garlic supplement containing stabilized allicin could prevent colds.

The Study Design

146 healthy volunteers participated over a 12-week period during peak cold season (November to February). They were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or a daily capsule of the allicin-containing garlic supplement.

Participants tracked their daily health using a five-point scale and recorded any cold symptoms in personal diaries. Researchers defined a cold as a health score that dropped from 3 to 2 or 1 and included symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and fatigue.

Key Results

• Fewer Colds: The garlic group reported only 24 colds, compared to 65 in the placebo group—a statistically significant difference (P<.001).

• Shorter Illness Duration: Cold symptoms in the garlic group lasted an average of 1.52 days, compared to 5.01 days for those taking the placebo.

• Less Re-Infection: Only 2 participants in the garlic group caught more than one cold, while 16 participants in the placebo group did.

Volunteers taking the garlic supplement not only got sick less often, but when they did, they recovered much faster.

Why Garlic?

Garlic’s reputation as an antimicrobial agent is centuries old, but modern science points to allicin—a compound released when garlic is crushed or chopped—as the key ingredient behind its antiviral properties. Previous studies have shown allicin’s effectiveness against several viruses, including rhinoviruses and influenza.

The supplement used in this study was unique in that it contained only stabilized allicin—a form that maintains potency and bioavailability.

What This Means for You

This research suggests that a stabilized allicin garlic supplement may serve as a powerful preventive tool against the common cold. While more studies are needed, especially with larger populations and different demographics, these findings open the door to a natural, daily approach to immune support.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who regularly battles cold season, incorporating a clinically-tested garlic supplement into your daily routine might be worth considering. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.