Does vinegar increase metabolism?

Vinegar (Acetic Acid) does not influence the metabolic rate. Nevertheless, one human study suggests that it may help with fat loss. Although it doesn't have the largest body of evidence, it remains a very cheap and safe 'home remedy' to aid in fat loss.

Weight Control

One study conducted had obese subjects consume either 0, 15, or 30mL vinegar (0, 750mg, 1,500mg Acetic Acid; respectively) in a double blind manner (placebo had added lactate to match taste). Weight loss was noted in a dose-dependent manner, and increased throughout the duration of the study.^[1] No differences in food intake were noted, and average weight loss appeared to be 1.0lbs in 12 weeks for the 15mL group and 2.0lbs in the 30mL group, with both groups regaining some weight 4 weeks after cessation. It was theorized that this was due to increased fat oxidation enzymes from AMPK.^[2][3]

This appears to be the only well controlled study done on vinegar and weight loss in humans, and it is currently not known whether taking vinegar in isolation or with a meal is more effective.

Other Health effects

Glucose control

Vinegar appears to be effective at suppressing the speed at which glucose enters the blood, and with that lowers the peak glucose and insulin secretion. If measured acutely, there is a large (31.4%-40%) decrease in blood glucose levels,^[4][5] but after 120min the overall exposure is the same.^[6] It is a slowing effect, not a reducing effect. That being said, this slowing may be beneficial in improving insulin sensitivity in diabetics.^[7]

This slowing may be due to vinegar (as apple cider vinegar) being able to slow gastric (stomach) emptying rates.^[8] This has been shown with regular vinegar as well.^[9]

Vinegar does not seem to interfere with actual carbohydrate absorption in any way.^[10]

Lipids and Cholesterol

In diabetic rats, apple cider vinegar (6% food intake) was able to beneficially alter blood lipids^[11] independent of processing methods.^[12]

Note on supplementation

There have been reports of esophageal injury associated with apple cider vinegar tablets, although it is not sure if this is due to high acid concentration or due to product tampering.^[13]

It may be best to use regular table vinegar, as that will get the job done.

Tags: vinegar, acetic, acid, metabolism, metabolic

1. Kondo T, et al. Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subjects. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. (2009)
2. Kondo T, et al. Acetic acid upregulates the expression of genes for fatty acid oxidation enzymes in liver to suppress body fat accumulation. J Agric Food Chem. (2009)
3. Sakakibara S, et al. Acetic acid activates hepatic AMPK and reduces hyperglycemia in diabetic KK-A(y) mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. (2006)
4. Brighenti F, et al. Effect of neutralized and native vinegar on blood glucose and acetate responses to a mixed meal in healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr. (1995)
5. Leeman M, Ostman E, Björck I. Vinegar dressing and cold storage of potatoes lowers postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses in healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr. (2005)
6. Ostman E, et al. Vinegar supplementation lowers glucose and insulin responses and increases satiety after a bread meal in healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr. (2005)
7. Johnston CS, Kim CM, Buller AJ. Vinegar improves insulin sensitivity to a high-carbohydrate meal in subjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. (2004)
8. Hlebowicz J, et al. Effect of apple cider vinegar on delayed gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study. BMC Gastroenterol. (2007)
9. Liljeberg H, Björck I. Delayed gastric emptying rate may explain improved glycaemia in healthy subjects to a starchy meal with added vinegar. Eur J Clin Nutr. (1998)
10. Salbe AD, et al. Vinegar lacks antiglycemic action on enteral carbohydrate absorption in human subjects. Nutr Res. (2009)
11. Shishehbor F, et al. Apple cider vinegar attenuates lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats. Pak J Biol Sci. (2008)
12. Budak NH, et al. Effects of apple cider vinegars produced with different techniques on blood lipids in high-cholesterol-fed rats. J Agric Food Chem. (2011)
13. Hill LL, et al. Esophageal injury by apple cider vinegar tablets and subsequent evaluation of products. J Am Diet Assoc. (2005)

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