What About “The Mother”?

---

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.

__________________

Vinegar has captured worldwide attention for over 5,000 years as the ancient Babylonians fermented vinegar from dates and figs. It was used for food preservation and medicinal purposes, as well as a culinary condiment for foul recipes and as a cleansing agent by early Sumerians. The warm Mesopotamian climate required they find a way to slow bacteria that spoiled food.

Current evidence suggests that while apple cider vinegar may offer modest health benefits when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, it's not the miracle cure-all that internet influencers recently sent viral. In part, most studies showing positive effects do not attribute weight loss results to the consumption of dietary vinegar alone.

When choosing dietary vinegar for potential health benefits, remember that darker varieties typically contain more antioxidants due to less refinement during fermentation and production. However, whether you choose apple cider, balsamic, or red wine vinegar, the key is viewing vinegar as a supplement to, and not a replacement for lifestyle choices intended to support weight control.

BMJ Group Retracts Previous ACV Study

In March 2024, a clinical trial published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health sent viral shockwaves through online health and wellness communities worldwide. The study made bold claims about apple cider vinegar's ability to promote significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals, suggesting that drinking small amounts daily could be a game-changer for those struggling with their weight. The findings quickly went viral across social media platforms, with influencers sharing the news with international media picking up the story.

A study suggesting apple cider vinegar helps with weight loss has been retracted by BMJ Group, as of September 2025, after experts uncovered major flaws in its data and methodology.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

But, the celebration was short-lived. Within months of publication, serious concerns began emerging about the study's quality and methodology. BMJ Group's integrity team took notice of the widespread misinformation circulating online and decided to investigate further. When the independent experts attempted to replicate the study's results, they couldn't. They found numerous analytical errors and data irregularities so significant that they recommended each participant's data undergo independent scrutiny. While the issues were “honest mistakes,” the damage was done.

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

Online wellness influencers may claim the mother in apple cider vinegar provides special detoxification powers, but scientific evidence doesn't support all of the assertions. For starters, the liver and kidneys naturally handle detoxification effectively, and there's no evidence that the mother enhances this process. Apple cider vinegar does offer some legitimate health benefits. It contains B vitamins and polyphenols, and some studies suggest consuming it before starchy meals may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Apple cider vinegar isn't the only beneficial option. Darker vinegars like balsamic and red wine varieties often contain more antioxidants and polyphenols. As a general rule, the darker the vinegar, the higher its antioxidant content. Focus on scientifically-backed benefits rather than social media hype. While apple cider vinegar with the mother isn’t the miracle cure many claim it to be, but that’s due to its active ingredient of acetic acid and not whether the vinegar contains “the mother” or not.

Health Benefits of Dietary Vinegar

Dietary vinegar is created through a fermentation process that produces beneficial organic acids, polyphenols, and other essential nutrients. It contains a wealth of components like amino acids, natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds work together to support various bodily functions, including regulating cell metabolism, boosting immune function, and providing powerful antioxidant protection. While apple cider vinegar often gets the most attention, many of its core benefits come from the same active ingredient of acetic acid.

• Blood Sugar Control: While incorporating dietary vinegar into your daily routine can be a simple and effective strategy for blood sugar control, but it's important to note that this effect is considered modest and should not be a substitute for standard diabetes care.
• Weight Control: Studies do indicate that when dietary vinegars are used in combination with a balanced diet and regular exercise, the acetic acid can slow the digestive process for increased satiety. In turn, this more naturally leads to a reduction in calorie intake for better long-term weight control.
• Antioxidant Effects: Dietary vinegar is gaining recognition for its impressive health benefits, primarily due to its rich antioxidant content that may help lower risks of chronic diseases by slowing gastric emptying of food into the digestive system to reduce appetite and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Heart Health: The antioxidants found in various dietary vinegars, including apple cider, balsamic, and red wine varieties, may also contribute to improved circulation and cardiovascular function. This heart-healthy effect appears to stem from vinegar's acetic acid created during fermentation.
• Digestive Health: Beyond improving digestion, acetic acid enhances your body's ability to absorb essential minerals like calcium and iron, while stimulating the production of gastric fluids that help the body break down food more efficiently for better energy metabolism.

While vinegar is a healthy addition to your diet, moderation is key. For most people, consuming one to two tablespoons daily is safe, but it's important to always dilute it. A common method is to mix it into a large glass of water. To protect your tooth enamel from the high acidity, it's also a good idea to rinse your mouth with extra water after consumption. On the other hand, overconsumption can lead to potential side effects, including low potassium levels and reduced bone density. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, it's best to consult your provider before adding vinegar to your routine.

____________________

When choosing a vinegar for its health benefits, color can be a useful guide. Darker varieties, like balsamic or apple cider vinegar, tend to pack a more powerful antioxidant punch than their lighter counterparts. This is because they undergo less refining, which allows more beneficial compounds, known as polyphenols, to remain in the final product. 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.