Apple Cider Vinegar Trial Retracted

---

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.

__________________

The history of vinegar as medicine dates back to 5,000 B.C., when ancient Babylonians used date palm vinegar for food preservation and treating various ailments. Roman soldiers carried "posca," a vinegar-water drink, to stay hydrated and prevent illness during military campaigns. During medieval times, people believed "Four Thieves Vinegar" could protect looters against plague infection.

While the presence of the mother indicates the vinegar is raw and unfiltered, scientific evidence suggests that the primary health benefits of ACV come from acetic acid, the main active ingredient in dietary vinegars, and not just the cloudy sediment itself. Some research studies suggest vinegar may have a modest effect on appetite reduction, but that it is not a magic bullet for rapid weight loss.

BMJ Group Retracts Previous ACV Study

A study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health in March 2024 gained widespread media attention for its claims that ACV could lead to dramatic weight loss. However, the study was later retracted after BMJ's integrity team comprised of independent international experts found multiple errors and statistical discrepancies, concluding the results were unreliable. This highlights the importance of critically evaluating health claims, even when they come from seemingly credible sources.

A study suggesting apple cider vinegar helps with weight loss has been retracted by BMJ Group, as of September 2025, after experts uncovered major flaws in its data and methodology.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

Independent researchers identified multiple red flags, including questionable statistical methods, implausible results, unreliable data, and insufficient detail about how the study was conducted. Perhaps most troubling, the trial hadn't been properly registered beforehand, which is a very basic requirement for publishing the most credible research. However, the authors of the review study attributed the issues to “honest mistakes” and BMJ’s editor-in-chief acknowledged that publishing the article was indeed “the wrong decision.”

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

Nutrition experts may recommend a raw, unfiltered version of ACV with the mother simply because it is less processed. But, while you may have seen social media claims that the mother is a cure-all for weight control and metabolic health, the science suggests its benefits are more modest. It's worth noting that while ACV gets most of the attention, other darker vinegars like balsamic or red wine often contain even more antioxidants. Ultimately, while the mother isn't a miracle cure, it does offer some health benefits

The mother is a collection of live cultures that were not destroyed by pressure or heat during the fermentation process. This makes the slurry sediment a better source of probiotics and enzymes that can contribute to a healthier gut microbiome, which in turn supports better digestion and healthier immune systems. So, although the cloudy substance may look unusual, it is perfectly safe for most people to consume in limited amounts a couple times each day. Raw apple cider vinegar also contains B-vitamins and plant-based antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Dietary Vinegar

The key to dietary vinegar's health-promoting properties lies in its high concentration of acetic acid, which is present in all types of vinegar. While apple cider vinegar often gets the most attention in health discussions, you can enjoy similar benefits from any variety. These powerful compounds work by slowing gastric emptying, which helps explain why diluted vinegar can aid digestion, promote feelings of fullness, and support heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Blood Sugar Control: While these effects are considered modest, by enhancing insulin sensitivity and promoting feelings of fullness, regular vinegar consumption can support metabolic efficiency and better blood sugar control.
• Weight Control: Clinical studies show that consuming one to two tablespoons of diluted vinegar (apple cider vinegar has shown particularly promising results) about 10-20 minutes before carbohydrate-rich meals is most effective for weight management.
• Antioxidant Effects: Darker vinegars, particularly balsamic and red wine varieties, stand out for their exceptionally high polyphenol levels compared to lighter options. The fermentation process that creates these culinary condiments also help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
• Heart Health: In both animal and human studies, the results suggest that incorporating diluted consumption of dietary vinegar in small quantities a couple times each day, may help improve several cardiovascular risk factors for better heart health.
• Digestive Health: The key to vinegar's power lies in its main active ingredient, acetic acid. This compound helps improve digestive health in several ways. It stimulates the production of gastric fluids, which allows your body to break down food more effectively.

When it comes to nutritional value, not all vinegars are created equal. Darker varieties like balsamic or apple cider vinegar contain significantly more antioxidants than lighter counterparts such as white wine vinegar. This is due to less refining and reduced exposure to heat during production. The minimal processing allows more beneficial polyphenols to remain in the liquid, which contributes to the vinegar's distinctive darker color, enhanced nutritional profile, and unique flavor.

____________________

While vinegar can be a healthy addition to your diet, it's important to view it as a flavorful, nutritious complement to a balanced lifestyle rather than a miracle cure. Thanks to its high acidity, vinegar acts as a natural preservative and has an almost indefinite shelf life and you can always repurpose older bottles for antibacterial cleaning tasks. 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.