10 Potential Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Pills
Article Sources
- 1. Hortonj4. 'Exploring the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.' Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 29 Apr. 2021, health.clevelandclinic.org/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/
- 2. Yagnik, Darshna, et al. 'Antimicrobial Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar against Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus and Candida Albicans; Downregulating Cytokine and Microbial Protein Expression.' Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group UK, 29 Jan. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
- 3. Marcelo Campos, MD. 'Apple Cider Vinegar... for Heartburn?' Harvard Health, 28 Mar. 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-for-heartburn-2018032813530
- 4. Kristina Liu, MD, and MD Janelle Nassim. 'Adult Acne: Understanding Underlying Causes and Banishing Breakouts.' Harvard Health, 21 Sept. 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/adult-acne-understanding-underlying-causes-and-banishing-breakouts-2019092117816
- 5. 'Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion. What's the Deal?' Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, 6 Aug. 2020, cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/apple-cider-vinegar-for-digestion-whats-the-deal/
Apple cider vinegar is distinct from other types of vinegar in that it's made from twice-fermented apple juice. Found in many households, this kind of vinegar has a wide range of culinary uses, including salad dressings, sauces and marinades. It's also a popular folk remedy for various health conditions.
Throughout history, people have also used apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for infections and coughs. Recent research has also found potential benefits of apple cider vinegar pills for those who prefer to take pills instead of liquid form. While science evaluated some of these claims, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Weight Loss
Some studies point to the weight loss benefits of taking an apple cider vinegar pill before meals to help curb appetite and burn fat. One small research study showed that people who add apple cider vinegar to a healthy diet may lose weight more quickly than those who don't.
Many fitness advocates also believe that apple cider vinegar pills can boost weight loss by increasing metabolism and satiety. Additionally, there's some evidence that supports taking apple cider vinegar pills to improve weight management. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.1Hortonj4. ‘Exploring the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.’ Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 29 Apr. 2021, health.clevelandclinic.org/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/
Antimicrobial Effects
Apple cider vinegar has been used for years in various folk remedies for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. A 2018 study in the United States found that both mildly diluted and undiluted apple cider vinegar prevented the growth of candida in a small sample of candida culture.2Yagnik, Darshna, et al. ‘Antimicrobial Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar against Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus and Candida Albicans; Downregulating Cytokine and Microbial Protein Expression.’ Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group UK, 29 Jan. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
Another study found significant potential benefits for remedying yeast infections, and some people swear it works as a natural deodorant. However, more research is required to verify these benefits.
Lowered Blood Sugar
A potential benefit of apple cider vinegar pills is blood sugar control. Research found that taking ACV pills after a meal may lower blood glucose levels, which could benefit people vulnerable to or with type II diabetes.
According to a 2018 study, ACV pills may also help improve levels of hemoglobin A1C when taken regularly. However, additional research is needed to support these results. Hemoglobin A1C test shows how well control is managed over the past three months and can help diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
Relief From PMS Symptoms
Some women claim that apple cider vinegar pills may help alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms. These symptoms include the headaches, bloating, fatigue, cramping and irritability associated with menstrual periods.
Another common PMS symptom is fluctuating energy levels. Apple cider vinegar pills may help boost energy levels in some women by increasing their metabolism. Additionally, some women attest to the potential benefit of apple cider vinegar pills to reduce their monthly menstrual flow. Research studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Acid Reflux Relief
People sometimes feel the effects of heartburn and acid reflux after eating. This may occur when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the pipe that connects the mouth and stomach. If chronic, the condition is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.3Marcelo Campos, MD. ‘Apple Cider Vinegar… for Heartburn?’ Harvard Health, 28 Mar. 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-for-heartburn-2018032813530
Many people claim to have found relief from this uncomfortable condition with apple cider vinegar pills. However, science doesn't fully support the benefits of taking these pills as a heartburn medication.
Gut Health
Apple cider vinegar contains vitamins B and C as well as acetic acid, which may aid in mineral absorption from the foods a person eats. Many people believe that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar pills provides the benefit of aiding in the digestion of protein-rich foods.
Additionally, there is some evidence that apple cider vinegar may ease gut inflammation and prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria. However, more scientific research is needed to support apple cider vinegar pills' benefits for digestion.
Acne Control
The factors that commonly contribute to acne include an overabundance of oil production, clogged pores, inflammation and bacteria. Many types of acne medication are available on the market. However, some people may have adverse reactions to some active ingredients, such as skin itchiness and dryness.
Gentle, nonirritating skincare products are recommended for anyone with acne.4Kristina Liu, MD, and MD Janelle Nassim. ‘Adult Acne: Understanding Underlying Causes and Banishing Breakouts.’ Harvard Health, 21 Sept. 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/adult-acne-understanding-underlying-causes-and-banishing-breakouts-2019092117816 Using apple cider vinegar pills in addition to the acne medication may help in some cases. Some choose to apply diluted apple vinegar on the skin.
Pills Versus Liquid
Some people who wish to consume liquid apple cider vinegar to reap the potential benefits may find the level of acidity too hard on their stomachs, especially if they tried undiluted ACV. Some people may also find the taste off-putting, and the liquid form may damage teeth and irritate the throat.
Since apple cider vinegar pills bypass the teeth and throat and are more slowly digested than the liquid form, consuming the pills versus drinking liquid apple cider vinegar may mitigate these adverse effects.
Potential Side Effects
Possible side effects of consuming too many apple cider vinegar pills include lowered potassium levels when used long term in high amounts. For those who already suffer from low potassium levels, also known as hypokalemia, consuming ACV in very high amounts could worsen the condition.5‘Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion. What’s the Deal?’ Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, 6 Aug. 2020, cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/apple-cider-vinegar-for-digestion-whats-the-deal/
Apple cider vinegar pills may also interact with some medicines, including insulin and diuretic or water drugs. This is another reason why checking with a doctor before adding ACV pills to a daily diet is a good idea.
Are Apple Cider Vinegar Pills Safe?
When consumed in moderation, apple cider vinegar pills have been deemed as safe for most people. However, it's a good idea for a person to consult their doctor before adding a supplement to their diet, as some may not interact well with other medications being taken.
Some people can't stomach the taste or acidity of apple cider vinegar in liquid form, experiencing nausea upon consumption. For these people, apple cider vinegar pills may be more palatable as they are virtually flavorless.
