BMJ Group Retracts Study on Apple Cider Vinegar's Health Benefits
A highly publicized study claiming that apple cider vinegar could help people achieve dramatic weight loss has been retracted by the BMJ Group, citing "concerns raised about the quality of the work." The study, published in March 2024 in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, had suggested that daily doses of vinegar for 12 weeks resulted in significant weight loss among 120 overweight or obese individuals in Lebanon.
The retraction was expected by many nutrition experts, who have long questioned claims that apple cider vinegar could remedy a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and even cancer. "The big surprise is why the BMJ accepted the study in the first place," says Marion Nestle, professor emerita of nutrition and food studies at New York University. "An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but apple cider vinegar as a superfood? If only."
The study's lead author had claimed that the results were due to the acetic acid content in apple cider vinegar, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, experts point out that the study's methodology was flawed and failed to account for other factors that could have contributed to weight loss.
Background on the study suggests that it was one of several recent publications touting the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Proponents claim that its acidity helps regulate blood sugar levels, improves digestion, and even has antibacterial properties. However, critics argue that these claims are largely anecdotal and lack scientific evidence.
Nutrition experts have long been skeptical of such claims, citing a lack of rigorous research to support the notion that apple cider vinegar is a miracle cure-all. "The idea that one ingredient can solve all our health problems is just not supported by science," says Dr. David Ludwig, a pediatric endocrinologist at Boston Children's Hospital.
The retraction of this study serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous scientific research and peer review in establishing the validity of health claims. As experts continue to scrutinize the evidence supporting apple cider vinegar's supposed benefits, consumers are advised to approach such claims with caution and consult reputable sources before making any decisions about their health.
The BMJ Group has stated that it will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and take necessary steps to ensure the integrity of its publications. In the meantime, researchers are left to re-examine the evidence and consider alternative explanations for the observed weight loss in the study.
*Reporting by Npr.*
