Apple Cider Vinegar by Bluebonnet

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Acne. Although there has been interest in using topical apple cider vinegar for acne, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral apple cider vinegar is beneficial for improving endurance during exercise. Details: Preliminary clinical research in a small number of healthy male athletes shows that drinking apple cider vinegar 500 mL one-hour prior to an endurance cycling test does not improve endurance capacity, as measured by respiratory exchange rate, heart rate, or blood levels of ammonia, glucose, or lactate, when compared with a commercial sports drink (103225). It is unknown if apple cider vinegar would improve endurance when compared with a placebo control.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although there has been interest in using topical apple cider vinegar for eczema, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Cognitive function. Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar to improve cognitive function, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this use.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar for COVID-19, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this use.
• Dandruff. Although there has been interest in using topical apple cider vinegar for dandruff, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Dental plaque. It is unclear if topical apple cider vinegar prevents the accumulation of dental plaque. Details: A small clinical study in children aged 3-6 years with cerebral palsy shows that applying apple cider vinegar 5% to their teeth daily for 6 months reduces the accumulation of dental plaque when compared with manual tooth brushing without dental paste (111228). However, the validity of these findings is limited by a lack of blinding and poor study methodology.
• Depression. Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral apple cider vinegar is beneficial for improving glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes; evidence is conflicting. Details: Two meta-analyses of mainly lower-quality clinical trials in a variety of populations (i.e., healthy, overweight, or obese individuals or those with type 2 diabetes) show that taking apple cider vinegar daily for up to 12 weeks reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels by about 8-21 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.5%-0.9%, and total cholesterol by 6-7 mg/dL when compared with control (e.g., water, another beverage, no beverage, or restricted calorie diet). There was no effect on levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, insulin, or on measures of insulin resistance. However, in sub-group analyses limited to patients with type 2 diabetes, the effect of apple cider vinegar on FBG or HbA1c levels is conflicting (106284,112355). Of note, both meta-analyses include studies with heterogeneous populations, varied dosages, and different durations that limit the interpretation of these pooled results. Small clinical studies show varying results. One small open-label clinical study conducted in Iran in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that taking apple cider vinegar 30 mL daily for 8 weeks reduces HbA1c by about 1.4% but does not impact fasting blood glucose when compared with control (113626). Notably, baseline HbA1c was about 9% in the apple cider vinegar group versus about 8% in the control group. It is unclear if modifications to antidiabetes medications were allowed during study enrollment. Additionally, a very small clinical study shows that taking apple cider vinegar 20 grams with a meal increases postprandial insulin sensitivity and reduces postprandial flux in insulin levels in patients with insulin resistance, but not those with type 2 diabetes, when compared with placebo (17614). Additionally, a very small clinical study shows that taking apple cider vinegar 20 grams with a meal increases postprandial insulin sensitivity and reduces postprandial flux in insulin levels in patients with insulin resistance, but not those with type 2 diabetes, when compared with placebo (17614). It is unclear if the formulation of apple cider vinegar alters its effects. One small crossover study in healthy adults found a modestly greater reduction in postprandial glucose with the use of liquid apple cider vinegar (providing 1.25 grams acetic acid) when compared with apple cider vinegar whole tablets or crushed tablets (providing 1.5 grams acetic acid) or water alone (106285). Larger studies are needed to confirm this finding.
• Dyspepsia. Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar for dyspepsia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Gastroparesis. It is unclear if oral apple cider vinegar is beneficial for gastroparesis. Details: A very small clinical study shows that taking apple cider vinegar 30 mL daily worsens the gastric emptying rate in patients with type 1 diabetes and gastroparesis when compared with drinking water (17609).
• Gingivitis. It is unclear if topical apple cider vinegar prevents the development of gingivitis. Details: A small clinical study in children aged 3-6 years with cerebral palsy shows that applying apple cider vinegar 5% to the teeth daily for 6 months reduces gingivitis scores when compared to baseline, with results comparable to manual tooth brushing without dental paste at the end of the study period (111228). However, the validity of these findings is limited by a lack of blinding and poor methodology.
• Herpes zoster (shingles). Although there has been interest in using topical apple cider vinegar for shingles, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Hyperlipidemia. It is unclear whether oral apple cider vinegar is beneficial for hyperlipidemia. Details: A small open-label clinical study conducted in Iran in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that taking apple cider vinegar 30 mL daily for 8 weeks reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol but does not impact high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or triglycerides when compared with control (113626).
• Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes). Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar for prediabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Insect bite. Although there has been interest in using topical apple cider vinegar for insect bites, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Intestinal parasite infection. Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar for intestinal parasite infections, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). It is unclear if oral apple cider vinegar reduces the risk for kidney stones. Details: Some population research suggests that the consumption of fermented vinegar can reduce the risk for kidney stones (97311). However, there is currently no clinical evidence confirming this association, or any studies specifically evaluating the use of apple cider vinegar for this purpose.
• Leg cramps. Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar for leg cramps, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Obesity. It is unclear if oral apple cider vinegar is beneficial for obesity. Details: A small clinical study in overweight and obese adults shows that taking apple cider vinegar 15 mL twice daily for 12 weeks along with a calorie-restricted diet helps control appetite and modestly reduces body weight, body mass index (BMI), and hip girth when compared with a restricted calorie diet alone. Taking apple cider vinegar along with dieting also appears to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and decrease triglyceride levels, but not low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, when compared to dieting alone (97310). Another small open-label clinical study conducted in Iran in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that taking apple cider vinegar 30 mL daily for 8 weeks reduces BMI and waist circumference but does not change waist-to-hip ratio when compared with control (113626). The validity of these results are limited by lack of statistical adjustment for multiple comparisons.
• Osteoarthritis. Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar for osteoarthritis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Pharyngitis. Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar for pharyngitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Rhinosinusitis. Although there has been interest in using oral apple cider vinegar for rhinosinusitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Sunburn. Although there has been interest in using topical apple cider vinegar for sunburn, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Vaginal candidiasis. Although there has been interest in using topical apple cider vinegar for vaginal candidiasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition.
• Warts. Although there has been interest in using topical apple cider vinegar for warts, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of apple cider vinegar for this condition. More evidence is needed to rate apple cider vinegar for these uses.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in food amounts.

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term for medicinal purposes. Apple cider vinegar has been safely used in short-term studies for up to 12 weeks (17609,17614,97310).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used topically. Topical application of apple cider vinegar has been reported to cause chemical burns in at least three patients. Mild skin irritation is common (91662,93074,101172). ...when used orally in large amounts, long-term. A case of hypokalemia, hyperreninemia, and osteoporosis has been reported for a patient who consumed apple cider vinegar 250 mL daily for 6 years (31730).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, taking apple cider vinegar with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details Apple cider vinegar might reduce fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels and decrease gastric emptying in people with diabetes (17609,17614,106285,106287). However, not all research agrees (106284). Theoretically, it might have additive effects on glucose levels when used with antidiabetes drugs.

DIGOXIN (Lanoxin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of apple cider vinegar with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.  Details A case of hypokalemia related to chronic use of apple cider vinegar has been reported (5911). Theoretically, overuse of apple cider vinegar could decrease potassium levels, increasing the risk of toxicity with digoxin.

DIURETIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of apple cider vinegar with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.  Details A case of hypokalemia related to chronic use of apple cider vinegar has been reported (5911). There is some concern that people taking apple cider vinegar along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia.

INSULIN Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of apple cider vinegar with insulin might increase the risk of hypokalemia.  Details A case of hypokalemia related to chronic use of apple cider vinegar has been reported (5911). Theoretically, overuse of apple cider vinegar concomitantly with insulin might increase the risk of hypokalemia (5911).

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General ...In food amounts, apple cider vinegar is well tolerated. It seems to be well tolerated when used orally, short-term for medicinal purposes. However, in larger amounts, long-term use may be unsafe.
Topically, apple cider vinegar may be unsafe.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Hypokalemia, hyperreninemia, and osteoporosis have been reported with long-term use.
Topically: Chemical burns, skin irritation.

Dermatologic ...Topically, apple cider vinegar may cause chemical burns. There is one published report of an individual who developed a chemical burn caused by a single topical application of apple cider vinegar containing 5% acetic acid to the skin (91662). Another case of chemical burn has been reported for a 14-year-old patient who applied apple cider vinegar to the skin for 3 days to remove a nevi. Symptoms included erythema, irritation, and non-inflammatory skin erosion. Symptoms were treated by applying mupirocin 2% ointment twice a day for several weeks and using sunscreen on the erosion and surrounding skin (93074). In one clinical trial, use of 0.5% apple cider vinegar soaks commonly caused skin irritation. One patient in this study experienced a nonpruritic papular rash, while another patient experienced severe pruritis with burning and erosion (101172). In another report, a female had an apple cider vinegar tablet lodged in the throat for 30 minutes, resulting in tenderness and pain in the larynx and difficulty swallowing for 6 months following the incident. This was thought to be due to the acid content of the tablet (13183).

Renal ...There is one published report of an individual who developed hypokalemia, elevated renin levels, high positive urinary anion gap, and osteoporosis after ingesting apple cider vinegar 250 mL per day for 6 years. The osteoporosis was attributed to buffering of the acute acid load by bone, and the other effects were attributed to significant bicarbonate excretion (31730).

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