Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsApple Cider VinegarSide Effects of Apple Cider VinegarPurported Uses of Apple Cider VinegarHow Do I Take Apple Cider Vinegar Safely?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Apple Cider Vinegar
Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar
Purported Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar
How Do I Take Apple Cider Vinegar Safely?
Apple cider vinegar is a type offermentedjuice made from crushed apples and yeast. It is commonly used in cooking, but it has also traditionally been used for medicinal purposes.But the vinegar doesn’t come without side effects. When used over extended periods or in large amounts, it can create health issues, ranging from tooth erosion to indigestion.
To avoid these side effects, it’s important to consume no more than 15 milliliters of apple cider vinegar daily, and immediately stop if you begin to notice any adverse effects. You should always contact your healthcare professional with concerns and to find out whether apple cider vinegar is right for you.
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In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietician nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a type of fermented juice made from crushed apples and yeast. Making apple cider vinegar leads to the formation ofaceticacid. Acetic acid is thought to be the cause of many potential benefits of apple cider vinegar.
It is believed to haveantioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial capabilities.That acidity can also cause some health concerns.
Apple cider vinegar may be a popular supplement, but, as with most other supplements, using it comes with possible side effects. Side effects associated with apple cider vinegar may be mild or severe.
In general, apple cider vinegar is usually well tolerated in small doses. Large doses are more likely to cause side effects.
These side effects have been reported from using apple cider vinegar.
1. Lower Potassium Levels
When used in large quantities over a long period of time, apple cider vinegar can decrease your potassium levels.Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) pose a risk to the heart’s and nervous system’s electrical systems, causing signaling issues.
Sometimes hypokalemia has no obvious symptoms, but other times it can result in muscle cramps, fatigue, and even paralysis, among other issues.
2. Bone Loss
There is anecdotal evidence that suggests a possible correlation between the overconsumption of apple cider vinegar and bone loss.
A paper was published detailing health issues found in a patient who had consumed 8 ounces of apple cider vinegar diluted with water every day over the span of six years. She was found to have low potassium levels and was diagnosed with osteoporosis, a rareity in someone as young as the 28-year-old.
Osteoporosisweakens and thins bones, resulting in joint pain, back pain, easily experiencing bone fractures, and height loss or stooping.
More research is needed to truly understand if overconsumption of apple cider vinegar might result in bone loss.
3. Digestive Problems
Even though apple cider vinegar is often used to aid digestion, consuming too much can have the opposite effect, resulting in stomach burning or digestive intolerance.
In a 2021 review of nine studies on the vinegar, only two reported side effects, like stomach burning. That said, indigestion can become painful over time or in extreme cases and is best avoided.
4. Tooth Erosion
When teeth become eroded, they can appear yellow or transparent, and front teeth look shorter than normal. People dealing with tooth erosion also often face increased heat and cold sensitivity, cracking, denting, and chipping of their teeth, and overall tooth pain. Tooth erosion is irreversible.
Try using apple cider vinegar every other day or every few days instead of every day to avoid tooth erosion.
5. Throat Burns
In extreme cases, some people might experience the rare side effect of apple cider vinegar burning their throat, or in some cases, scarring of theesophagusin children.This is due to its high acidity and has only been experienced when used incorrectly, such as consuming it as part of a cleaner or detergent, as found in a 1994 retrospective analysis of 98 patients.
6. Chemical Burns
Another side effect, also due to the acidity of apple cider vinegar, is chemical burning.Chemical burnscan result when very strong concentrations of vinegar are applied to the skin, but reactions can vary depending on the person’s sensitivity and the concentration of the vinegar.
Symptoms of a chemical burn might include redness and irritation or blisters in extreme cases. Luckily, most chemical burns don’t cause major skin damage.
7. Delayed Stomach Emptying
Some research suggests that apple cider vinegar can causedelayed gastric emptying, slowing down how quickly the food leaves the stomach.Side effects and symptoms of delayed gastric emptying, also called gastroparesis, include heartburn, nausea, bloating, and erratic blood glucose levels.
Because of the effect of gastroparesis on blood glucose levels, people with diabetes should be extra aware of this potential side effect.
Apple cider vinegar is produced when apple cider isfermented. During this process, bacteria and yeast interact with the sugar naturally found in apples. The final result is apple cider vinegar, which contains acetic acid, a component of all kinds of vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is believed to support human health in various ways.
Blood Sugar
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may help lowerblood sugar.
A 2017 research review showed that taking vinegar along with meals lowered both sugar and insulin levels in the blood, two factors often elevated in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers from the study concluded that vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, has the potential to be used alongside medications and lifestyle changes to manage blood sugar.
A more recent systematic review found that consuming apple cider vinegar decreased both fasting blood sugar and HbA1C, two parameters used to diagnose type 2 diabetes.
Acne and Other Skin Conditions
Some believe that apple cider vinegar can improve acne and other skin conditions, but these claims are mostly unfounded. As an example, a small study found topical apple cider vinegar provided no benefits for people withatopic dermatitis.
Regardless, some people continue to use topical apple cider vinegar for acne and other skin conditions, providing only anecdotal evidence that it works.
Should You Try an Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse?
Antifungal Properties
One of the overarching claims of apple cider vinegar is that it contains antifungal properties, making it a potential treatment option for a wide range of health conditions.
However, despite a bevy of anecdotal evidence pointing to the antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar, scientific research supporting this claim remains lacking.
An in vitro (test tube) study concluded that apple cider vinegar contains antifungal properties. In the study, apple cider vinegar was found to be a possible therapeutic option for those with a fungus, candida, growing on their dentures.
However, it should be noted that this study was performed in a test tube and should be replicated on humans to strengthen the results.
Heart Health
Emerging research has shown that apple cider vinegarcould be useful in improving the health of your heart.
High levels oflipidsand cholesterol in the blood are risk factors forheart disease. A systematic review from 2021 found that apple cider vinegar consumption was linked to decreased levels of totalcholesterolin the blood. According to the study, apple cider vinegar may block the formation of new fat cells and help remove cholesterol from the body.
Large-scale human trials should be conducted to repeat and confirm these positive results.
7 Science-Backed Apple Cider Vinegar Skin Benefits
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s): Acetic acid, polyphenolic compoundsAlternate name(s):ACV, cider vinegar, apple vinegarLegal status: Legal and sold over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose: No universal dosage recommendationsSafety considerations: Possible side effects include burning and stomach irritation; precautions should be taken
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s): Acetic acid, polyphenolic compoundsAlternate name(s):ACV, cider vinegar, apple vinegarLegal status: Legal and sold over the counter in the United StatesSuggested dose: No universal dosage recommendationsSafety considerations: Possible side effects include burning and stomach irritation; precautions should be taken
To use apple cider vinegar internally, you can drink diluted apple cider vinegar, add apple cider vinegar to various foods and recipes, or take a supplement. You can also use it topically (on your skin).
In its liquid form, apple cider vinegar comes filtered or unfiltered. The main difference is that unfiltered apple cider vinegar still contains a substance called the “mother.” While research is conflicting, the mother is believed to containprobiotics, which are good bacteria for your gut.
There isn’t necessarily a recommended dose for taking apple cider vinegar. However, one scientific study found that the greatest benefits were seen at a dose of 15 milliliters or less a day for at least eight weeks.To find the right dose for you, speak with your healthcare provider.
Apple cider vinegar supplements come in gummies, capsules, or tablets. Be sure to read the nutrition label, as some apple cider vinegar supplements contain additionalvitamins, minerals, and other ingredients.
Precautions
Apple cider vinegar is considered safe when consumed in small amounts for a short period. However, apple cider vinegar may not be safe if consumed long term or in large doses.
It is unknown if apple cider vinegar is safe to use duringpregnancyorlactation. Therefore, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consume no more than what’s in food amounts.
Apple cider vinegar is believed to be safe for children, but parents should take precautions and only provide recommended doses. Keep apple cider vinegar out of the reach of small children to prevent accidental overconsumption.
People with low potassium should avoid using apple cider vinegar as it may lower potassium levels further.
InteractionsApple cider vinegar may interact with some medications, including:InsulinWater pills (diuretics)Antidiabetic drugsDigoxinPeople taking these medications should be extra cautious when using apple cider vinegar and should speak with a healthcare provider to determine if it’s safe.
Interactions
Apple cider vinegar may interact with some medications, including:InsulinWater pills (diuretics)Antidiabetic drugsDigoxinPeople taking these medications should be extra cautious when using apple cider vinegar and should speak with a healthcare provider to determine if it’s safe.
Apple cider vinegar may interact with some medications, including:
People taking these medications should be extra cautious when using apple cider vinegar and should speak with a healthcare provider to determine if it’s safe.
Summary
Apple cider vinegar is a popular product that has been used for many years, but when used for a long period of time or in large dosages—or when dealing with a highly concentrated form of the vinegar—there are risks.
Apple cider vinegar’s side effects range from indigestion to tooth erosion and more.
If you’re considering using apple cider vinegar for any health purpose, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s right for you.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Apple cider vinegar.Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Karl Lhotta; Günther Höfle; Rudolf Gasser; Gerd Finkenstedt.Hypokalemia, Hyperreninemia and Osteoporosis in a Patient Ingesting Large Amounts of Cider Vinegar. Nephron (1998) 80 (2): 242–243.Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wAnderson S, Gonzalez LA, Jasbi P, Johnston CS.Evidence that daily vinegar ingestion may contribute to erosive tooth wear in adults.J Med Food. 2021;24(8):894-896. doi:10.1089/jmf.2020.0108Nuutinen M, Uhari M, Karvali T, Kouvalainen K.Consequences of caustic ingestions in children.Acta Paediatr. 1994;83(11):1200-1205. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.1994.tb18281.x.H Liljeberg & I Björck.Delayed gastric emptying rate may explain improved glycaemia in healthy subjects to a starchy meal with added vinegar.European Journal of Clinical Nutritionvolume 52, pages368–371 (1998)MedlinePlus.Apple cider vinegar.Shishehbor F, Mansoori A, Shirani F.Vinegar consumption can attenuate postprandial glucose and insulin responses; a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.Diabetes Res Clin Pract.2017;127:1-9. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2017.01.021Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wLuu LA, Flowers RH, Gao Y, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis.PLoS One. 2021;16(6):e0252272. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252272Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E.Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on candida species involved in denture stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C.The effect of external apple vinegar application on varicosity symptoms, pain, and social appearance anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;6473678. doi:10.1155/2016/6473678Aykın E, Budak NH, Güzel-Seydim ZB.Bioactive components of mother vinegar.J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(1):80-89. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2014.896230
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Apple cider vinegar.Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Karl Lhotta; Günther Höfle; Rudolf Gasser; Gerd Finkenstedt.Hypokalemia, Hyperreninemia and Osteoporosis in a Patient Ingesting Large Amounts of Cider Vinegar. Nephron (1998) 80 (2): 242–243.Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wAnderson S, Gonzalez LA, Jasbi P, Johnston CS.Evidence that daily vinegar ingestion may contribute to erosive tooth wear in adults.J Med Food. 2021;24(8):894-896. doi:10.1089/jmf.2020.0108Nuutinen M, Uhari M, Karvali T, Kouvalainen K.Consequences of caustic ingestions in children.Acta Paediatr. 1994;83(11):1200-1205. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.1994.tb18281.x.H Liljeberg & I Björck.Delayed gastric emptying rate may explain improved glycaemia in healthy subjects to a starchy meal with added vinegar.European Journal of Clinical Nutritionvolume 52, pages368–371 (1998)MedlinePlus.Apple cider vinegar.Shishehbor F, Mansoori A, Shirani F.Vinegar consumption can attenuate postprandial glucose and insulin responses; a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.Diabetes Res Clin Pract.2017;127:1-9. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2017.01.021Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wLuu LA, Flowers RH, Gao Y, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis.PLoS One. 2021;16(6):e0252272. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252272Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E.Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on candida species involved in denture stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C.The effect of external apple vinegar application on varicosity symptoms, pain, and social appearance anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;6473678. doi:10.1155/2016/6473678Aykın E, Budak NH, Güzel-Seydim ZB.Bioactive components of mother vinegar.J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(1):80-89. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2014.896230
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Apple cider vinegar.Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Karl Lhotta; Günther Höfle; Rudolf Gasser; Gerd Finkenstedt.Hypokalemia, Hyperreninemia and Osteoporosis in a Patient Ingesting Large Amounts of Cider Vinegar. Nephron (1998) 80 (2): 242–243.Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wAnderson S, Gonzalez LA, Jasbi P, Johnston CS.Evidence that daily vinegar ingestion may contribute to erosive tooth wear in adults.J Med Food. 2021;24(8):894-896. doi:10.1089/jmf.2020.0108Nuutinen M, Uhari M, Karvali T, Kouvalainen K.Consequences of caustic ingestions in children.Acta Paediatr. 1994;83(11):1200-1205. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.1994.tb18281.x.H Liljeberg & I Björck.Delayed gastric emptying rate may explain improved glycaemia in healthy subjects to a starchy meal with added vinegar.European Journal of Clinical Nutritionvolume 52, pages368–371 (1998)MedlinePlus.Apple cider vinegar.Shishehbor F, Mansoori A, Shirani F.Vinegar consumption can attenuate postprandial glucose and insulin responses; a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.Diabetes Res Clin Pract.2017;127:1-9. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2017.01.021Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-wLuu LA, Flowers RH, Gao Y, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis.PLoS One. 2021;16(6):e0252272. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252272Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E.Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on candida species involved in denture stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C.The effect of external apple vinegar application on varicosity symptoms, pain, and social appearance anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;6473678. doi:10.1155/2016/6473678Aykın E, Budak NH, Güzel-Seydim ZB.Bioactive components of mother vinegar.J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(1):80-89. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2014.896230
MedlinePlus.Apple cider vinegar.
Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567
Karl Lhotta; Günther Höfle; Rudolf Gasser; Gerd Finkenstedt.Hypokalemia, Hyperreninemia and Osteoporosis in a Patient Ingesting Large Amounts of Cider Vinegar. Nephron (1998) 80 (2): 242–243.
Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A.The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03351-w
Anderson S, Gonzalez LA, Jasbi P, Johnston CS.Evidence that daily vinegar ingestion may contribute to erosive tooth wear in adults.J Med Food. 2021;24(8):894-896. doi:10.1089/jmf.2020.0108
Nuutinen M, Uhari M, Karvali T, Kouvalainen K.Consequences of caustic ingestions in children.Acta Paediatr. 1994;83(11):1200-1205. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.1994.tb18281.x.
H Liljeberg & I Björck.Delayed gastric emptying rate may explain improved glycaemia in healthy subjects to a starchy meal with added vinegar.European Journal of Clinical Nutritionvolume 52, pages368–371 (1998)
Shishehbor F, Mansoori A, Shirani F.Vinegar consumption can attenuate postprandial glucose and insulin responses; a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.Diabetes Res Clin Pract.2017;127:1-9. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2017.01.021
Luu LA, Flowers RH, Gao Y, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis.PLoS One. 2021;16(6):e0252272. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252272
Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E.Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on candida species involved in denture stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207
Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C.The effect of external apple vinegar application on varicosity symptoms, pain, and social appearance anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;6473678. doi:10.1155/2016/6473678
Aykın E, Budak NH, Güzel-Seydim ZB.Bioactive components of mother vinegar.J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(1):80-89. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2014.896230
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