The Rise and Fall of Apple Cider Vinegar as a Universal Remedy

In 2017, a bottle of Bragg apple cider vinegar symbolized hope for health enthusiasts worldwide.

A widely discussed study published by the reputable BMJ Group once suggested that apple cider vinegar could significantly aid in weight loss.

The BMJ Group later pulled this study, citing 'concerns raised about the quality of the work' as the reason for its removal from their journal.

Nutrition specialists were unsurprised by the retraction, having long doubted the vinegar's supposed powers to tackle severe conditions like obesity, diabetes, and even cancer.

“The perplexing question is why the BMJ approved the study initially,” remarked a professor emeritus at New York University.

“You might keep the doctor away with an apple a day,” she added, “but deeming apple cider vinegar a miracle food? That’s another story.”

The original research included 120 overweight or obese participants from Lebanon who consumed vinegar regularly over 12 weeks, reportedly losing about 9% of their body weight.

Following its release, a press statement from BMJ propelled the research into the spotlight, garnering extensive media attention.

This supported the longstanding belief that apple cider vinegar contributed to health improvements.

However, not all scientists were convinced by these findings.

Eric Trexler from Duke University noted, “The extent of weight loss claimed seemed beyond credibility at first glance.” He was among those who voiced skepticism shortly after the study's publication.

The proclaimed weight loss was comparable to results typically achieved with expensive pharmaceuticals like Ozempic and Wegovy.

Trexler expressed his wish for an earlier retraction of the study.

Concerns were raised with BMJ in June 2024, yet over a year passed before any retraction happened.

Such delays, commonplace in the realm of medical journals, point to an urgent need for reenvisioning practices across the academic publishing sphere, according to Trexler.

Challenging Celebrity-Endorsed Vinegar

The retraction marked another setback for apple cider vinegar, which had been highly praised by celebrities and influencers.

Supporters included high-profile names like Kim Kardashian and former Medicare and Medicaid leader Donald Berwick.

Even Perry and actor Orlando Bloom became investors in Bragg Live Food Products, advocating for the vinegar's supposed benefits.

Yet, these endorsements faced growing scientific scrutiny. A scandal involving an influencer even led to a Netflix series in 2025 loosely inspired by the case of Belle Gibson, an Australian influencer who falsely claimed natural methods cured her fake cancer.

Over the years, many medical centers have raised doubts about apple cider vinegar's advertised health advantages.

The University of Chicago, for example, provided an explanation as to why it doesn’t help in controlling high blood pressure or curing cancer.

Likewise, Harvard Medical School has questioned claims related to weight loss effectiveness.

Beyond Culinary Uses

Notwithstanding its scientific scrutiny, apple cider vinegar continues to enjoy popularity within the wellness community.

Trexler sensed an increase in attention towards the vinegar over recent years.

A market forecasting firm expects its global market to expand until 2032, partly due to its perceived array of health recipes.

Bragg Live Food Products released a statement, dismissing the retraction and clarifying that their acetic acid promotions never depended on this particular study.