Khaberni - Apple cider vinegar has become famous on social media as a magical cure for obesity, but a recent study has concluded that this belief is mistaken. So what are the details? Additionally, apple cider vinegar is considered to be rich in health benefits when used properly, as it reduces blood sugar levels and improves digestion. It was also rumored to help with weight loss.
This was also confirmed by a study published in 2024 in the journal "BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health," before it later turned out to be inaccurate.
Critique of Data and Methodology
When its results were published last year, the mentioned study received strong interaction on social media. It was used by celebrities to create content that spread widely, including French celebrity Jessie Enchauspe, known as "Goddess of Glucose", followed by more than five million people, and who promoted the idea that apple cider vinegar is effective for weight loss.
At the same time, immediately after the publication of the mentioned study, many doubts were raised about its results. According to a report by the German site "T Online", researchers questioned the validity of the values and statistical analyses used, as well as whether participants had been randomly distributed among the groups, a fundamental standard for a reliable clinical study.
In a new study conducted by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), experts concluded that the findings of the previous study were "inaccurate" due to methodological errors, making the retraction of the study inevitable. The editorial team of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) acknowledged that publishing the study was a "mistake," and advised those wishing to lose weight to follow a balanced diet, engage in adequate exercise, and stick to it.
Warning Against False Promises
Weight loss advice often spreads quickly on social media, yet most of it lacks a solid scientific basis. Thus, experts warn against relying solely on influencers for information, or even on individual studies that often lack scientific evidence.
On the other hand, quick fixes from the internet are often misleading and can sometimes cause health problems.
As for whether consuming fermented apple cider vinegar helps with weight loss, this has not been definitively proven by research, although there are a few studies that suggest it may be a helpful factor in doing so.
Apple cider vinegar can be used in small amounts, as some studies suggest that it is possible to consume up to two tablespoons daily. Research has shown that some people have used it safely for up to 12 weeks. This method may involve less exposure to side effects than adding it to food instead of drinking it.
Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar
Using fermented apple cider vinegar carries some risks, including: Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and may irritate your throat if frequently drunk or in large quantities, according to a report by the Mayo Clinic.
Over time, acidic drinks can weaken the outer layer of the teeth, known as dental enamel. In case of consuming it in the form of supplements, an apple cider vinegar tablet stuck in the throat can cause prolonged pain, also due to the acidity of the vinegar.
Moreover, fermented apple cider vinegar can negatively affect the effectiveness of certain medications, such as high blood pressure medications and the diabetes drug known as insulin. Apple cider vinegar may also affect the benefits of supplements such as licorice and oats. When apple cider vinegar affects these medications and supplements, it may reduce the levels of a key mineral in the body called potassium, which is necessary for the proper functioning of nerve and muscle cells, according to dw.
