The Benefits and Myths of Apple Cider Vinegar

ConsumerLab.com just recently updated their tests of various apple cider vinegar products (paid access only) for both liquids and pills, and I wanted to share a little about the results.

First, if you’re not a paid member of ConsumerLab.com and you work in the health industry, it’s well worth the membership costs ($2.88 per mo.). Their independent tests and reports on supplements are unbiased and thorough.

This is a quick rundown of CL’s review so that you could decide if the benefits are something you want to look into further.

Benefits of apple cider vinegar

  • 1/2 tbsp before meals reduces blood sugar levels in insulin resistant people
  • 1/2 tbsp before meals has slight improvement in insulin res. in people with Type 2 Dia.
  • 1 tbsp with meals (2 tbsp. per day) modestly decreases weight
  • Diluted vinegar may help chronic ear infections using ear irrigation (3x per week for 3 weeks). But it’s very important to remove all vinegar or it can cause erosion

Unproven Benefits

  • No studies showing it improves digestion
  • No studies to show it decreases bloating
  • Not shown to reduce heartburn (may actually irritate more)
  • no evidence that it affects blood PH

Product Tests

They did a ton of tests on many different supplements, but you’ll have to become a member of theirs to see it. I’m not sure what I’m allowed to share, so I’ll just quickly mention that the brand that most of us are familiar with – Braggs Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar – passes CL’s tests for acetic acid content and for not exceeding limits of lead, cadmium, or arsenic. So I guess keep using it if you already are or start using it if not!

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