Garlic is good for the heart, but could adding the antioxidant nutrient coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) make it even better? Yes, say researchers from the Harbor UCLA Medical Center, who published their most recent data in the August issue of the journal Nutrition. 

Their study featured 65 Los Angeles County firefighters who were divided into two groups: one received an aged garlic extract (AGE)-CoQ10 combo while the other group took a placebo. The dosage was 1,200 mg of AGE and 120 mg of CoQ10 per day. 

UCLA cardiology researcher Matthew Budoff, MD, told Wellness Times that his research group wanted to study firefighters because they have high stress, which puts them at higher risk of developing heart disease. Budoff said the study demonstrated that the AGE and CoQ10 duo decreased vascular stiffness and improved function of the firefighters’ blood vessels, which indicates a slowing in the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). 

Budoff and his team speculate that the benefits from these two nutrients come from their antioxidant activity. The researchers note that garlic also has anti-inflammatory actions, which could further explain why it’s so beneficial to the heart. 

“Patients who are at high risk of developing heart disease, such as people who have high stress, a family history of heart disease, diabetes or other risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol,” said Budoff, “should consider taking AGE.”

This same research group has published several other studies on AGE only, which demonstrated effectiveness, but the researchers conclude that taking CoQ10 as well has “significant additive value.”