Viral Apple Cider Vinegar Study Retracted

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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 has a long history of medicinal use. Ancient Babylonians used it for food preservation and treating ailments, while Hippocrates prescribed it for various health conditions. In recent years, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been buzzing on social media, with claims it can do everything from aiding weight loss to reducing inflammation. But how much of this hype is based on clinical fact?

If you've ever looked at a bottle of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, you've probably noticed a cloudy, web-like substance floating inside. This is known as "the mother," and it's a natural sediment of beneficial bacteria and yeast that forms during fermentation. Its presence indicates that the vinegar is raw and unfiltered, meaning it contains some probiotics and enzymes.

However, a study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health in March 2024 gained widespread attention online for linking ACV consumption to significant weight loss. However, the study was retracted last month after the Group’s integrity review found multiple errors and questionable statistical methods. In short, while apple cider vinegar isn't the cure-all some claim it to be, it can be a supportive addition to a healthy diet.

BMJ Group Retracts Previous ACV Study

BMJ Group's content integrity team launched an investigation after independent experts identified multiple red flags that raised serious questions about the research's credibility. The problems extended far beyond minor statistical errors. Independent statistical experts discovered questionable analytical methods, implausible results, and unreliable data throughout the research. Most troublingly, the statisticians couldn't replicate the study's results due to numerous analytical errors in the dataset.

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

The truth about apple cider vinegar and the role of its mother lies somewhere between a miracle cure and complete myth. After all, nutrition experts now say it is the acetic acid that is created during fermentation, which is also present in other types of vinegar like red wine and balsamic varieties, that is vinegar’s primary active ingredient. ACV's rich composition of B vitamins and polyphenols (plant-based antioxidants) may, however, help to reduce inflammation, support gut health, improve cardiovascular function, and enhance brain function.

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

If you've spent any time in the wellness world, you've probably heard about apple cider vinegar and its supposed miracle ingredient called "the mother. But what exactly is this cloudy substance? When walking down the vinegar aisle at the grocery store, you will likely see two types of ACV with one clear, filtered version and one unfiltered cloudy bottle. The cloudy sediment in the raw vinegar is "the mother." It is a natural combination of proteins, enzymes and beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that forms during the fermentation process

While the probiotics and enzymes it contains are beneficial, most of ACV's proven health advantages come from its main active ingredient of acetic acid. This compound is created during fermentation and is present in all types of vinegar. Since the human body has its own highly effective detoxification system in the liver and kidneys, there's little clinical proof that "the mother" enhances this process. While it may not be a miracle cure-all, ACV does offer some modest, scientifically-backed health benefits.

Health Benefits of Dietary Vinegar

Dietary vinegar is created through a fermentation process that produces beneficial organic acids, polyphenols, and other essential nutrients. Its nutritional profile includes amino acids, natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals that work together to regulate metabolism by slowing the rate at which food moves from your stomach into your digestive tract. This mechanism can help aid digestion, promote feelings of fullness, reduce daily calorie intake, and support heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Blood Sugar Control: Recent studies indicate that consuming one to two tablespoons of vinegar that is diluted with water about 10 to 20 minutes before eating a starchy carbohydrate-rich meal can help to prevent rapid blood sugar spikes for improved insulin sensitivity.
• Weight Control: Several smaller studies suggest that combining vinegar consumption each day with a healthy diet and regular exercise can lead to modest reductions in total weight, better body mass index (BMI) numbers, and the elimination of unwanted body fat.
• Antioxidant Effects: Dietary vinegar has antioxidant effects primarily from its polyphenol content, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Other bioactive compounds include organic and amino acids.
• Heart Health: While more extensive human trials are needed to confirm these findings, the current evidence is encouraging about the heart-healthy effects of dietary vinegar that’s related to its active ingredient acetic acid. Additionally, antioxidants may help relax blood vessels to lower pressure.
• Digestive Health: Beyond its antioxidant properties, vinegar also supports gut health. The fermentation process used to create apple cider vinegar and other artisanal vinegars produces probiotics, which encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria for a balanced microbiome.

When it comes to nutritional value, not all vinegars are created equal. Darker varieties like balsamic or apple cider vinegar undergo less refining, allowing them to retain more beneficial compounds, known as polyphenols. These compounds not only contribute to the vinegar's distinct color and flavor but also pack a more powerful antioxidant punch than their lighter counterparts. While apple cider vinegar (ACV) often gets the most attention, many of its core benefits come from acetic acid, which is present in all types of vinegar.

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If you're considering adding apple cider vinegar to your routine, it's best to view it as a complementary habit rather than a miracle cure or replacement for established medical treatments. Nutrition experts say dietary vinegar's benefits primarily come from its acetic acid content that is available in all types. 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.