Can Apple Vinegar Aid With Diets?

Apple vinegar has been used since the ancient Babylonians 7,000 years ago as a flavor additive and for preserving food. The "father of modern medicine," Hippocrates used apple cider vinegar to treat skin ulcerations and as a cough suppressant almost 2,400 years ago. As of the 1950s, apple vinegar has become the focus of weight loss dieters, and popularity has continued to grow into the 21st century as researchers attempt to validate or purge apple cider vinegar's weight loss aid status.

Appetite Suppression

According to the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," a 2004 study shows that vinegar, when ingested before meals, may increase satiation or that "full" feeling after meals. Dr. Elin --stman at Lund University in Sweden states "the [subjective] rating of satiety was directly related to the acetic acid level." The highest vinegar dose of 504 mg or 28 mmol with a 50 gram carbohydrate meal produced the highest satiety rating of the three dosages available, denoting that vinegar suppresses a person's appetite.

Regulates Glucose

A 2006 study published in "Medscape General Medicine" by Dr. Carol Johnston, head of the Department of Nutrition at Arizona State University concludes that vinegar may help in controlling a person's blood sugar. Johnston states that "a significant difference in post-meal glycemia was noted between treatments with the acetic acid treatment lowering glycemia by 31.4 percent." She further states that while the findings are preliminary, "vinegar is widely available; it is affordable; and, as a remedy, it is appealing." Apple vinegar as a dietary aid may provide relief for diabetes in the future.

Nutrient Absorption

Apple vinegar, specifically raw, organic apple cider vinegar contains essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes that increase the body's ability to absorb other vital minerals, such as calcium, a requisite for strong healthy bones. Combining calcium and acetic acid -- the primary compound in vinegar -- creates calcium acetate, which easily absorbed by the body. High levels of potassium and magnesium are found in raw apple cider vinegar; both minerals are necessary for nutrient absorption and organ health.

Theories/Speculation

Some experts, such as Katherine Zeratsky, a licensed and registered dietitian with Mayo Clinic states that the "occasional use of apple cider vinegar is safe for most people, it won't likely lead to weight loss," and she also notes that eating fruits and vegetables with an increase in physical activity on a daily basis will help your body process calories more efficiently. Zeratsky also warns that vinegar may interfere or be contraindicated for certain medications such as insulin and overuse may lead to potassium deficiencies.

Possible Side Effects

As with any dietary supplement, apple vinegar can have side effects, especially if misused or overused. Misuse of apple vinegar may cause damage to the stomach lining and esophageal passage, particularly if consumed undiluted. Overuse of apple vinegar may decrease bone density, damage the kidneys and in severe cases cause hyperreninemia, a hormonal disorder that causes unsafe blood pressure increases and possible cardiovascular distress. Consult with a physician before using apple vinegar with dieting.