Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is a prescription medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It is a member of the statin drug class and works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. Garlic is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including high cholesterol levels. However, it is essential to understand how much garlic is safe to consume while taking Lipitor.
According to the sources provided, there is no specific guideline on how much garlic is safe to consume while taking Lipitor. However, it is recommended to avoid consuming large amounts of garlic while taking Lipitor. This is because garlic can interact with Lipitor and increase the risk of side effects.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology [3] found that consuming garlic supplements can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with statins such as Lipitor. This is because garlic has blood-thinning properties that can interact with the anticoagulant effects of statins, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Another study published in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis [2] found that consuming garlic in large amounts can lead to drug interactions with statins, including Lipitor. The study recommended that patients taking Lipitor should avoid consuming large amounts of garlic, especially in supplement form.
In conclusion, there is no specific guideline on how much garlic is safe to consume while taking Lipitor. However, it is recommended to avoid consuming large amounts of garlic while taking Lipitor to reduce the risk of side effects. Patients taking Lipitor should talk to their healthcare provider before consuming garlic supplements or making significant changes to their diet.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21170253/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2997463/