Red Flags Fall on Viral Vinegar Study

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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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Apple cider vinegar captured attention across social media platform last spring with bold claims about detoxification and rapid weight loss. While vinegar's medicinal use dates back to ancient civilizations when the Babylonians used it as early as 5,000 B.C., much of the current hype centers around "the mother," the cloudy, web-like substance found in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

This slurry natural sediment contains beneficial bacteria and yeast formed during ACV’s fermentation, along with beneficial probiotics and enzymes. However, scientific review by BMJ Group’s integrity team suggests that apple cider vinegar's primary health benefits primarily come from acetic acid (its main active ingredient) rather than the mother itself.

While debunking viral claims, recent studies have validated some traditional uses of dietary vinegar. In example, apple cider vinegar does contain B-vitamins and polyphenols, which are plant-based antioxidants, may help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest modest benefits for blood sugar control and appetite reduction, but these findings aren't conclusive.

BMJ Group Retracts Previous ACV Study

A clinical trial published online in March 2024 in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health journal with bold claims about apple cider vinegar’s ability to promote significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals suddenly went viral. But, once it researchers and media enthusiasts internationally, the celebration was short lived. In fact, serious concerns began to emerge about the study’s quality and statistical methodologies. BMJ Group’s integrity team took notice of the misinformation circulating online and decided to investigate further.

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 statistical experts were brought in to review the research, and their findings were deeply troubling. The statisticians discovered questionable statistical methods, implausible results, unreliable data, and insufficient detail about how the trial was actually conducted. Most concerning of all, the trial had not been properly registered beforehand, which is a fundamental requirement for legitimate clinical research before publication. In addition, when the independent experts attempted to replicate the study’s results, they couldn’t.

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

Though the study behind apple cider vinegar’s viral rise to internet fame was flawed, dietary vinegar can still play a unique role in providing health benefits, particularly for those who are intrigued by “the mother” in raw, unfiltered varieties.  The mother is the slurry substance found in raw ACV. A natural combination of proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria forms during the fermentation process. While it indicates an unpasteurized, less processed product, its health benefits have also been exaggerated.

Despite marketing claims about the mother's special properties, scientific evidence points to acetic acid as apple cider vinegar's primary beneficial compound. This active ingredient is found in all types of vinegar, regardless of whether they contain the mother or undergo filtration. Although clinical studies do suggest ACV and other dietary vinegars can support weight loss efforts, the effects are more modest. Simply stated vinegar (with or without the mother) slows gastric emptying, which can reduce appetite and daily calorie intake.

Health Benefits of Dietary Vinegar

While vinegar offers numerous health benefits, moderation is essential. Most people can safely consume one to two tablespoons daily when properly diluted in water. Always follow this with an extra glass of water to protect tooth enamel from the acid content. However, overconsumption can lead to potential side effects including low potassium levels and reduced bone density. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or other medical conditions, consult your healthcare provider before incorporating vinegar into your daily routine.

• Blood Sugar Control: Acetic acid created during vinegar fermentation slows the rate at which your stomach empties food into the digestive tract after a meal. This not only helps prevent rapid blood sugar spikes but can also reduce appetite and overall daily calorie intake.
• Weight Control: Apple cider vinegar has gained significant attention online with social media influencers promoting its weight loss benefits. Though it’s important to have realistic expectations, the recommended dosage is typically two tablespoons daily consumed before key meals.
• Antioxidant Effects: The polyphenols found in dietary vinegars act as powerful antioxidants that protect your cells from free radical damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Balsamic and red wine vinegars stand out as particularly potent sources of these beneficial compounds.
• Heart Health: The heart-healthy effects of consuming dietary vinegar appears to stem from the condiment’s active ingredient. Acetic acid, which is created in all types of vinegar, can influence how your body processes lipids that may also inhibit cholesterol synthesis.
• Digestive Health: For generations, people have relied on dietary vinegar as a natural remedy for various health concerns, particularly when it comes to digestive health benefits. The key to vinegar’s effectiveness lies in acetic acid that is produced during the fermentation process.

Dietary vinegar's health-promoting effects stem from its ability to slow gastric emptying, which is the rate at which food moves from your stomach into your digestive tract. This mechanism helps explain why a tablespoon of diluted vinegar can aid digestion, promote feelings of fullness, and support heart health by helping to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. One of vinegar's most impressive qualities is its exceptional longevity. Thanks to its naturally high acidity, vinegar is self-preserving and won't spoil or become unsafe to consume.

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Not all vinegars are created equal when it comes to nutritional value. Darker varieties like balsamic or apple cider vinegar pack a more powerful antioxidant punch than their lighter counterparts. This is because darker vinegars undergo less refining during production, allowing more beneficial polyphenols to remain in the liquid. 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.