Apple cider vinegar tablets and pills are available at most drug stores, grocery stores and health food stores. They supposedly contain apple cider vinegar, which is rich in nutrients like acetic acid and pectin. Even though vinegar is thought to be an effective home remedy for numerous conditions, it shouldn't be a substitute for traditional treatments. Likewise, apple cider vinegar tablets may not even contain all the nutrients vinegar has, so caution is required.
Diabetes
Vinegar can supposedly help with controlling diabetes. According to an article in "Vegetarian Times" by Matthew Kadey, a study that appeared in the "Annales of Nutrition and Metabolism" revealed that people who consumed apple cider vinegar prior to a carbohydrate-heavy meal saw a reduction in the typical blood glucose spike that normally followed eating. This is a similar effect to many diabetes medications.
Digestive Aid
Consuming apple cider vinegar may also help with digestion. In fact, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is thought to help your body digest foods faster. According to the University of Arkansas, vinegar contains about 6 percent acetic acid. However, apple cider vinegar tablets can contain anywhere from three to ten times more acetic acid than standard vinegar, increasing the likelihood of side effects.
Reduced Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Apple cider vinegar can also supposedly help with preventing and treating heart disease. According to a medical review published in "Medscape General Medicine," Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., noted that vinegar might be able to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, the studies that showed these results were conducted on either very small groups or on animals, and the results have yet to be repeated on humans or larger groups.
Warning
Though apple cider vinegar tablets should have the same effect on the body as liquid vinegar, this is not always the case. The FDA doesn't regulate these pills, which means the contents are often not reflected on the packaging, according to the University of Arkansas. In fact, some pills may not contain vinegar at all, so if you wish to supplement with vinegar, it's probably best to just use the liquid form.
References
- University of Arkansas; Apple Cider Vinegar? Or Just Acid?; April 2006
- "Medscape General Medicine"; Vinegar--Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., R.D. and Cindy A. Gaas, B.S.; May 2006
- "Vegetarian Times"; Healing Foods--Apple Cider Vinegar; Matthew G. Kadey, R.D.; October 2010
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