Too Good to Be True? Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss Claims Debunked
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – For years, apple cider vinegar has been praised as a miracle drink — but a recent retraction suggests those claims might not hold up under science.
A widely shared study that claimed daily intake of ACV could aid in weight loss has been retracted after serious errors were uncovered.
Originally published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health last year, the trial was frequently cited in health-related blogs and online articles, fueling the notion that ACV might support weight control. But growing criticism from scientists soon cast doubt on the study’s validity, prompting the publisher to initiate an investigation.
The BMJ Group later confirmed that reviewers identified statistical mistakes and were unable to verify the findings, which resulted in the study’s retraction. Conducted in Lebanon, the research was described by its authors as having “honest mistakes.” They issued a statement acknowledging the flaws and said they accepted the decision to withdraw the paper.
Public health nutritionist Rosemary Stanton, who had criticized the study upon its release, welcomed the retraction. “We should have a healthy degree of scepticism to something that sounds too good to be true,” she told AFP.
Despite doubts about its benefits, ACV has grown in popularity, especially after Netflix launched the series Apple Cider Vinegar earlier this year, showcasing Australian wellness influencers and their unproven claims.
Stanton noted that claims regarding the product’s health advantages often go beyond weight loss and are still unsupported by science. For example, the belief that it contains high levels of nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium is inaccurate. She also cautioned users about potential dental issues, saying, “Because apple cider vinegar damages tooth enamel, if you do use it, always rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.”
She further criticized the reliance on social media personalities for nutrition tips. According to Stanton, many people now trust influencers instead of licensed professionals, making them more susceptible to false information.
The withdrawal of the study serves as a reminder that popular health fads do not always withstand rigorous scientific evaluation. Experts continue to encourage the public to rely on credible health sources and treat extraordinary health claims with caution.
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