What happened to the big study that went viral?

The study by Abou-Khalil et al., published in BMJ Nutrition in 2024, was retracted by BMJ Group in September 2025. The publisher cited concerns about the statistical analysis and the reliability of the data. It also noted that the trial was never registered, which is a basic scientific requirement. It should no longer be cited as evidence that ACV works for weight loss.

Will it damage my teeth?

Yes, it can, over time. Acetic acid, the active ingredient in vinegar, wears away tooth enamel with repeated exposure. Always dilute ACV in a large glass of water before drinking it. A straw, and a rinse with plain water afterwards, cuts the risk. Capsules avoid the problem entirely.

Does it help with blood sugar?

There is some evidence that ACV may modestly slow gastric emptying and flatten the blood sugar spike after a meal. That is shown more consistently than weight loss. If blood sugar control is your goal, the evidence is somewhat better. It is still limited, though, and no substitute for medical treatment.

Supplement

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Very weakfermented food

Fermented apple juice containing acetic acid. It has long been used in folk medicine, and lately it has been heavily promoted online and on social media for weight loss. IMPORTANT: the most widely cited recent study supporting ACV for weight loss was retracted by its publisher in 2025, over concerns about data reliability. The evidence that remains is small and inconsistent.

Estimated cost

~$5–$15/month (liquid) or ~$10–$20/month (capsules)

How to take

Liquid diluted in water before meals, or capsules — the liquid version requires effort and care to dilute properly

Retraction notice — September 2025

The most widely cited ACV weight loss study was retracted by BMJ Nutrition in September 2025, over concerns about data reliability. The evidence that remains comes from small, short-term trials with inconsistent results.

Very weakLittle to no reliable trial evidence

IMPORTANT CONTEXT: the most-cited recent ACV weight loss study (Abou-Khalil et al., BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, 2024) was retracted by BMJ Group in September 2025.

For context — weight loss from prescription medications:

GLP-1 medications12–21%

Most supplements0.5–2 kg

How it works

Acetic acid is the active compound in vinegar. It may delay gastric emptying, slowing how fast food leaves your stomach, which could modestly increase fullness. Some evidence suggests it may also help the body respond better to insulin, and may slightly lower blood sugar after meals. Those routes are plausible. But the weight loss seen in trials has been small.

What the evidence shows

Very weak

The publisher cited concerns about the statistical analysis, the reliability of the data, and the lack of trial registration. A 2025 analysis pooled 10 randomised controlled trials with 861 people in total. ACV reduced body weight and BMI, but with 'substantial heterogeneity'. That means the trials disagreed widely with each other, which lowers confidence in the conclusion. Most trials are small, under 50 people, and short, at 4–12 weeks. They also come from a narrow set of countries. Experts at Stanford and Harvard take the same view: the current evidence is limited and inconsistent.

The trade-off

What this tends to offer:

Freely available as a food product
Very inexpensive
Possible modest effect on blood sugar

What this involves:

Key supporting study was retracted (data reliability)
Remaining evidence is small and inconsistent
Dental enamel erosion risk from regular liquid use
Throat and oesophagus irritation if taken undiluted

Safety

ACV is acidic and can wear away tooth enamel if you drink it undiluted. Always dilute it in water, and consider using a straw. It can irritate the oesophagus and the stomach lining, above all in people with acid reflux (GORD). It may interact with diabetes medicines by lowering blood sugar further. It may also interact with water tablets (diuretics) and some heart medicines. Capsules avoid the tooth enamel problem, but still carry the other risks.

Community insights

These are personal experiences shared in public online communities — not medical advice.

“The key study everyone was citing got retracted. Be sceptical of anyone still promoting ACV for weight loss based on that research.”

r/science·Context shared after the retraction was announced

“If you drink it, always dilute it. Straight ACV will damage your teeth and throat over time. This is not a minor point.”

r/loseit·Safety reminder raised consistently in ACV threads

Common questions

Written and maintained by one person · Built with agentic AI tools · Every number checked against the cited trial · Not medical advice

How this site is built →

After reading this page, most people compare this with other supplements, look at prescription options, or check what they can do today without a prescription.

Next step most people take

Prescription medicationsFDA-approved treatments with substantially stronger trial data Compare all optionsSee every weight loss option side by side

← All Supplements

Built with agentic AI tools and not a substitute for medical advice

Last reviewed: September 2026

Was this page helpful?

Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment. Prices shown are United States self-pay or list prices and vary by insurance and country.