If you're not used to it, I'd go no more than 1,000-2,000 mgs to start. This is 2 of my 1,000mg softgels. Garlic is great, but anything can have negative consequences if you take too much, esp. in the beginning. Garlic is both a blood thinner and it lowers blood sugar in certain doses. Just watch out and if you're feeling "funny" stop and/or reduce dosage.