Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar supposedly helps people lose weight, lower cholesterol, and treat acne. However, there is no evidence that it provides any health benefits. Before using apple cider vinegar, talk to your healthcare provider if you have indigestion, difficulty swallowing, or any other health concerns. This product may cause an upset stomach due to the acid content.

 

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is often claimed to provide several health benefits, such as helping with weight loss, lowering cholesterol, and treating acne. However, the validity of such claims is doubtful, as there is no scientific evidence to show that apple cider vinegar provides any health benefits.
 
(Click Apple Cider Vinegar Uses for more information.)
 

How Does It Work?

The claims that apple cider vinegar works for a variety of conditions have been around for a long time. However, none of these claims have ever been shown to be true. Apple cider vinegar usually contains a few vitamins and nutrients (like apple juice), but it is unlikely that these small amounts of common vitamins and nutrients could be effective for such a wide variety of health benefits.
 

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Effective?

There is no evidence that apple cider vinegar provides any health benefits, as no adequate studies have been done on its effectiveness.
 
(Click Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work? for more information. You can also click How To Lose Weight to find helpful suggestions for losing weight.)
 

Dosing Information

Apple cider vinegar is taken in a variety of ways. Although some recommendations are available, the safe and effective dose has not been established.
 
(Click Apple Cider Vinegar Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

There is little information available about the possible side effects of apple cider vinegar. There have been reports of the tablet form causing throat burns, since the product is quite acidic. Also, it is reasonable to assume that apple cider vinegar might cause some stomach upset, due to the acid content.
 
(Click Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Apple cider vinegar may interact with a number of medications (see Apple Cider Vinegar Drug Interactions).
 

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe?

Apple cider vinegar is probably safe when used in cooking, but it is not known if it is safe in large quantities or in other forms (such as in tablets). However, some people may be more likely to experience problems. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking apple cider vinegar if you have:
 
  • A narrowing (stricture) of the esophagus
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers
  • Any other health problems or concerns
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Apple Cider Vinegar Safety for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose of apple cider vinegar. If you think you may have taken too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Apple Cider Vinegar Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Apple Cider Vinegar Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how best to store it. Keep this and all other medications and supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;