Vinegar’s Mystery of the “Mother”

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DATA UPDATE: The key to vinegar's health-promoting properties lies in its high concentration of acetic acid, and not beneficial properties of the culinary condiment. The “mother” in apple cider vinegar is a unique mix of bacteria, yeast and cellulose that forms during fermentation, but the mother does not perform specific weight loss functions. Moreover, acetic acid’s role as a supplement for slowing digestive processes is marginal when compared to the latest compounded weight loss medications. Dietary vinegar does, however, contain nutrients and antioxidants.

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Vinegar's medicinal use is not new. As far back as 5,000 B.C., the Babylonians used date palm vinegar for food preservation and treating ailments like respiratory issues and wounds. The Greeks and Romans also recognized vinegar's therapeutic potential. Hippocrates prescribed vinegar for various conditions. During medieval times, "Four Thieves Vinegar" was believed to protect against plague infection.

When it comes to antioxidant content, the color of vinegar matters. Darker vinegars typically contain more antioxidants than lighter varieties because they undergo less refinement during production. This gentler processing allows beneficial compounds to remain in the liquid, contributing not only to the vinegar's distinctive taste and color but also to its nutritional value. While apple cider vinegar isn't the cure-all that internet claims suggest, it does show promise as a health-supporting ingredient.

BMJ Group Retracts Previous ACV Study

A highly publicized study about apple cider vinegar's weight loss benefits made headlines in March 2024 when it was published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. The research claimed that drinking small amounts of ACV daily could lead to significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. However, the excitement was short-lived, when the study was quickly retracted in September 2025 after serious concerns emerged about its credibility, as issues extended beyond just statistical inaccuracies.

A study suggesting apple cider vinegar helps with weight loss has been retracted by BMJ Group, as of September 2025, after experts uncovered major flaws in its data and methodology. BMJ Group advises journalist and others to stop referencing a study that once suggested drinking small amounts of apple cider vinegar each day could support weight loss in people who are overweight or obese.

Dr. Helen Macdonald - Ethics & Content Editor at BMJ Group

BMJ Group's content integrity team launched an investigation that revealed multiple red flags. Independent statistical experts were brought in to review the work, and their findings were damning. The statisticians couldn't replicate the study's results and discovered numerous analytical errors throughout the dataset. The problems were so severe that experts recommended each participant's data undergo independent scrutiny. So, despite the viral nature of this flawed study, the reality about apple cider vinegar is more nuanced.

What the "mother" is and what it’s not...

While the BMJ Group incident serves as a reminder to always be critical of sensational health claims, there are important health benefits provided by the acetic acid in dietary vinegars as well as the probiotics and enzymes contained in apple cider vinegar’s “mother”. Nonetheless, this cobweb-like substance is a byproduct of the fermentation process that converts sugars in apples into alcohol and then converts alcohol into acetic acid (the active ingredient). Moreover, the mother’s prebiotic pectin supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

If you decide to incorporate vinegar into your diet, remember that it's a complementary addition, not a replacement for established medical treatments or prescription medications. Generally, experts recommend a variety of fruit vinegars, including balsamic and red wine varieties, alongside apple cider vinegar. Because of the acidity of the “mother”, it's a good idea to guzzle water after consuming vinegar to protect your tooth enamel. While the mother’s presence does indicate a raw, unfiltered product, acetic acid is the active ingredient.

Health Benefits of Dietary Vinegar

Vinegar has been a staple for thousands of years, but it's much more than just a tangy condiment. This fermented liquid is packed with essential nutrients including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that offer impressive health benefits ranging from blood sugar control to heart health support. When choosing vinegar for maximum nutritional value, color matters. Darker varieties like balsamic or apple cider vinegar contain significantly more antioxidants than lighter counterparts due to less refining during production.

• Blood Sugar Control: Research shows that consuming one to two tablespoons of diluted vinegar just before meals is most effective for blood sugar control and can improve insulin sensitivity. The secret lies in acetic acid, which slows the rate at which your stomach empties after eating.
• Weight Control: Social media influencers and celebrities have recently been promoting apple cider vinegar as a weight loss wonder, claiming it helps shed pounds, reduce food cravings, and decrease bloating. Experts recommend two tablespoons a day with one before lunch and dinner.
• Antioxidant Effects: Apple cider and other types of dietary vinegars have an antioxidant effect due to the presence of bioactive compounds. These include polyphenols that help protect cells from oxidative stress to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
• Heart Health: Although limited, the evidence from both animal and human studies suggest that apple cider vinegar (with or without the mother) and other dietary vinegars like balsamic or red wine offer some benefits in improving blood pressure and blood glucose levels for better heart health.
• Digestive Health: The acetic acid in dietary vinegar plays a crucial role in digestive health by stimulating gastric fluid production, which enhances food breakdown and nutrient absorption. This increased stomach acidity helps your body better absorb essential minerals for optimal balance.

Minimal processing allows beneficial compounds in dietary vinegar to remain intact. One of vinegar's most remarkable product qualities is its incredible shelf life. Thanks to its naturally high acidity, vinegar is self-preserving and won't spoil or become unsafe to consume, though you may notice some cloudiness or sediment formation over time, particularly in unfiltered varieties like apple cider vinegar. This natural preservation makes vinegar both a practical pantry staple and a reliable source of daily nutrition.

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While apple cider vinegar often gets the spotlight in health discussions, most of vinegar's core benefits actually come from acetic acid, the compound found in all types of vinegar. This means whether you prefer white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or red wine vinegar, you're still getting many of the same metabolic and blood sugar management benefits. Metabolic Research Center has been helping people improve their metabolic health for decades. Take our 2-minute quiz to “Find Your Fit” and you’ll receive an instant download for our FREE Kickstart Guide that includes meal planning, recipes and much more.