Journal Retracts Viral Apple Cider Vinegar Study — Were We All Misled?
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – A highly publicized study claiming apple cider vinegar could help shed pounds has been retracted, raising questions about its long-hyped health benefits.
A widely circulated study suggesting that daily consumption of ACV promotes weight loss has officially been retracted following the discovery of major errors.
The research, initially published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health last year, had been widely referenced in health blogs and articles online. Its findings fueled the popular belief that ACV could play a key role in weight management. However, mounting criticism from independent experts raised doubts about its credibility, prompting the journal’s publisher to conduct a formal review.
According to the BMJ Group, investigators uncovered statistical flaws and were unable to reproduce the study’s results, ultimately leading to its withdrawal. The research, conducted in Lebanon, was described by its authors as containing “honest mistakes.” In their statement, they acknowledged the issues and agreed with the retraction decision.
Public health nutritionist Rosemary Stanton, who initially voiced skepticism about the paper, expressed relief at the outcome. “We should have a healthy degree of scepticism to something that sounds too good to be true,” she told AFP.
The hype around ACV has only grown in recent years, particularly after Netflix launched the series Apple Cider Vinegar in January, highlighting Australian wellness influencers and their unverified health endorsements.
Stanton emphasized that the supposed benefits of ACV extend beyond weight loss claims, but most lack scientific backing. Assertions that it is rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium are misleading. “Because apple cider vinegar damages tooth enamel, if you do use it, always rinse your mouth thoroughly with water,” she advised.
She further warned about the dangers of relying on non-experts for nutrition guidance. According to Stanton, many individuals now turn to social media influencers rather than trained professionals, leaving them vulnerable to misinformation.
The retraction serves as a reminder that not all trending health claims hold up under scientific scrutiny. Experts urge the public to seek advice from credible sources and approach miracle-sounding remedies with caution.
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