Lecithin & Vinegar Diet Pills

Several companies market lecithin and vinegar diet pills, which also come in different doses even though the appropriate dosage of both ingredients has yet to be determined by the FDA. Touted as a weight loss wonder, lecithin and vinegar pills usually contain vitamin B-6 and sometimes kelp. The theory behind the mixture is that each ingredient plays a specific role in weight-loss metabolizing of fatty acid deposits in the body.

Dietary Lecithin

In the early 1970s, "Family Circle" magazine mentioned a miracle diet containing apple cider vinegar, vitamin B-6 and lecithin. Since that time, the diet has taken on several variations. Although lecithin is known to emulsify fat and cholesterol, there is very little scientific information available to validate its weight-loss benefits. However, according to a 2009 study published in the "International Journal of Molecular Medicine," lecithin may be tied to the liquefaction of fat, but it does not remove fat from the body.

Dietary Vinegar

Although vinegar has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, it began its history as a dietary aid with the publication of Dr. DeForest Jarvis's "Folk Medicine" in 1953. Since the turn of the century, vinegar has been the focus of numerous dietary studies. Although none of the studies prove that vinegar is the actual cause of weight loss, a study published in the 2009 issue of "Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry" suggests that acetic acid found in vinegar and vinegar pills can increase metabolism and reduce fat in the human body if consumed before meals on a regular basis.

Combined Benefits

Both lecithin pills and vinegar pills are thought to activate the PPAR-alpha organelle, which is responsible for oxidizing fatty acids along with increasing caloric burning, according to the International Journal of Molecular Medicine. While there are no scientific studies as of 2010 that validate lecithin and vinegars combined efficiency at helping people lose weight, both items have shown promise individually in at least one weight loss study.

Theories/Speculation

Lecithin has received a lot of attention for its tentatively stated treatment for numerous diseases and obesity. It has been widely marketed as a weight loss aid even though no scientific data supports such claims. Christine Lawhon of Vanderbilt University notes that the only proven way to lose weight is by eating a healthy, low-fat diet with regular exercise.

Side Effects

According to a 2006 study at Arizona State University, Dr. Carol S. Johnston notes that both liquid and pill forms of vinegar have been implicated in esophageal erosion and stomach damage along with severe kidney damage if used too often or in the event of an overdose. Johnston further notes that common side effects of vinegar, however, are loss of tooth enamel and decreased bone density from prolonged use. In a 2009 "BioMed" case report, lecithin has been tied to an autoimmune anemia disorder due to overdose. While the condition is rare, it can be lethal if not treated immediately.