If new research is to be believed, a daily dose of apple cider vinegar could help you lose weight.
Fat people lose up to 8kg in just three months after drinking a 15ml scoop before breakfast.
Experts called the results ‘remarkable’.
But critics today tore up the study of just 120 people, arguing it was deeply flawed and proved nothing.
The Lebanese researchers admitted that they did not know why apple cider vinegar could have a slimming effect. However, they argued that studies in animals have shown that it improves insulin sensitivity and energy levels.
Experts called the results ‘remarkable’. But critics today tore up the study of just 120 people, arguing it was deeply flawed and proved nothing. Celebrities, including Kim Kardashian (pictured), swear by the drink
The Lebanese researchers admitted that they did not know why apple cider vinegar could have a slimming effect. However, they argued that studies in animals have shown that it improves insulin sensitivity and energy levels. Pictured is Jennifer Aniston, celebrity advocate
Proponents claim that apple cider vinegar can reduce your appetite and boost immunity. Despite a large body of research suggesting it works, experts have remained divided over its effectiveness and potential long-term health effects. Pictured is Victoria Beckham, celebrity advocate
Celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston swear by the drink, which costs just £2.50 in health food stores.
Proponents claim it can reduce your appetite and boost immunity.
Despite a large body of research suggesting it works, experts have remained divided over its effectiveness and potential long-term health effects.
Volunteers in the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik apple cider vinegar trial were overweight or obese, with BMIs between 27 and 34.
Some were as young as 12 years old.
The participants were then divided into four groups of thirty.
Three groups were asked to drink a daily dose of apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning. This was in quantities of 5, 10 or 15 ml.
The rest were given a dummy or placebo fluid instead.
For twelve weeks, each participant kept an overview of their diet and exercise habits.
Researchers found that those who drank the drink lost at least 5 kg in weight and reduced their BMI by 2.7 to 3 points, depending on the dose.
Volunteers given the placebo, meanwhile, recorded an average drop of just 0.3 kg (0.7 lbs) after 12 weeks.
Writing in the diary BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & HealthResearchers acknowledged the small sample size and admitted that twelve weeks was not long enough to measure possible long-term side effects.
But study author Dr Rony Abou-Khalil, head of chemistry and biochemistry at the university, added: ‘These results suggest that apple cider could have potential benefits in improving metabolic parameters associated with obesity and metabolic disorders in obese individuals.
‘The results may contribute to evidence-based recommendations for the use of apple cider vinegar as a nutritional intervention in the treatment of obesity.
‘The study could stimulate further research in the field, leading scientists to investigate the underlying mechanisms and conduct similar studies in other populations.
‘Apple cider vinegar could be a promising anti-obesity supplement that does not cause side effects.’
Professor Helen Truby, professor of nutrition and dietetics at the University of Queensland, called the weight loss findings ‘remarkable’.
However, she noted, “Although this research design has the ability to prove cause and effect, there are some substantial problems in this study that would make the conclusions drawn questionable.”
Researchers found that those who drank the drink lost at least 5kg and reduced their BMI by 2.7 to 3 points, depending on the dose. Volunteers given the placebo, meanwhile, recorded an average fall of just 0.3kg after 12 weeks.
She added: ‘The subjects were not stable in weight at the start of the study, so they may have already been losing weight before starting the vinegar.
‘Diet and activity were self-reported, so we cannot be certain that these large weight losses were not due to lifestyle changes.
‘In addition, the use of weight loss medications has not been reported.’
Meanwhile, Shane McAuliffe, senior visiting scholar at the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, which co-owns BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health with BMJ, said “caution should be exercised” on the study results.
Professor Miguel Ángel Martínez González, professor of preventive medicine and public health at the University of Navarra, also said: ‘They (the researchers) apparently only use t-tests (a statistical tool to make comparisons) and they should have used other models. that allow the valuation of fixed and arbitrary components.
‘They also don’t describe the participants’ overall diet and how their calorie intake changes, consumption of fruits, vegetables, ultra-processed foods, and so on.
“In short: this requires caution, a lot of caution.”