Does apple cider vinegar help with weight loss?

The evidence is weak. The most widely shared ACV weight loss study (claiming ~9% body mass loss) was retracted by the BMJ in September 2025 after statistical analysis revealed the data was improbable. A 2025 meta-analysis of 10 other RCTs found small but statistically significant effects, though most included studies were small and short-term.

Is apple cider vinegar safe?

In moderation, yes, but the liquid form (pH 2.5-3.0) can damage tooth enamel with regular use. Always dilute in water, drink through a straw, and wait 30 minutes before brushing teeth. Gummy supplements are gentler on teeth but contain far less acetic acid than the liquid used in studies.

Are ACV gummies as effective as liquid?

Likely not. Gummy supplements typically provide 500-1,000 mg of ACV equivalent per serving, which contains substantially less acetic acid than the 15-30 mL of liquid ACV (containing ~5% acetic acid) used in clinical studies. However, gummies avoid the tooth enamel damage and throat irritation risks of liquid ACV.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss

Category: Fermented food / supplement

Form: Liquid / gummies / capsules

Evidence: Weak

Monthly cost: $3-25

TGA status: Food or AUST L

Evidence Rating

Weak

Strong

Moderate

Weak

None

Minimal evidence, failed trials, or very small effects

The most prominent weight loss study was retracted by BMJ in September 2025 due to improbable data. Remaining evidence is from small, poor-quality trials. Any weight loss effect is likely very small and unreliable.

Apple Cider Vinegar Key Facts

Does ACV help with weight loss?

Probably not meaningfully

The most famous ACV weight loss study (Khandouzi 2024) was retracted by BMJ in September 2025 due to improbable data. Remaining evidence is weak, short-term, and from small studies.

How does it supposedly work?

Acetic acid may reduce appetite

Proposed mechanisms include slowed gastric emptying, increased satiety hormones (GLP-1, PYY), and AMPK activation. Mostly demonstrated in animal studies, not reliably in humans.

Is ACV safe?

Can damage tooth enamel

Liquid ACV (pH 2.5-3.0) erodes tooth enamel. Can irritate the throat and oesophagus undiluted. Gummies are safer but contain far less active ingredient. Long-term high-dose use risks hypokalaemia.

Available in Australia?

Yes, everywhere

Liquid ACV in any supermarket. Supplement gummies and capsules at pharmacies and health stores. No prescription required.

What does it cost?

$3-25 per month

Liquid ACV: $3-8 per bottle (750 mL-1 L), lasting 1-2 months. Swisse ACV gummies: ~$25/month at Chemist Warehouse.

Do you need a prescription?

Available as a food product (liquid) or over-the-counter supplement (gummies/capsules). No prescription required.

How Apple Cider Vinegar Claims to Work

Acetic acid may slow gastric emptying (increasing fullness) and activate AMPK in the liver to promote fat oxidation. However, much of this evidence comes from animal studies, and the extent to which these mechanisms operate meaningfully in humans at dietary doses is unclear.

What the Research Shows

Castagna et al. - Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs

Body weight SMD: -0.39; BMI SMD: -0.65; waist circumference SMD: -0.34 (all statistically significant but small effect sizes from mostly low-quality studies)

Nutrients

789 participants across 10 RCTs

2025

PubMed

Khandouzi et al. - RCT (RETRACTED)

RETRACTED

RETRACTED September 2025. Originally claimed ~9% body mass loss over 12 weeks. BMJ retracted due to improbable data distributions, unreplicable analyses, and no prospective trial registration.

BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health

120 participants

2024

Malbouby, Trexler & Heathers - Statistical analysis

Used SPRITE analysis to demonstrate that the data distributions in the Khandouzi study were statistically improbable, with nearly identical age/BMI distributions across randomised groups.

BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health

2025

PubMed

Source data from published peer-reviewed studies. Links open in a new tab to external medical databases.

Side Effects & Risks

Common

Tooth enamel erosion (pH 2.5-3.0; enamel weakens at pH 5.5)
Nausea, especially on an empty stomach
Throat and oesophageal irritation

Serious / Contraindications

Oesophageal ulceration from undiluted use
Gastroparesis risk (dangerous for Type 1 diabetes)
Hypokalaemia (low potassium) with chronic high-dose use
Interaction with diuretics and insulin (additive hypokalaemia/hypoglycaemia)

Australian Regulatory Status

TGA classificationLiquid ACV: food product. Supplements with claims: AUST L

ARTG listingsMultiple (e.g. ARTG 306504, 356359, 313996)

Prescription requiredNo

AvailabilitySupermarkets (liquid), pharmacies (supplements)

TGA warningsNone specific to ACV

Frequently Asked Questions

TGA-Approved Weight Loss Medications

Compare with clinically proven prescription options

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Healthy Recipes

Evidence-based approaches to healthy eating

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Find a Dietitian

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Other Supplements Reviewed

Berberine for weight loss

Evidence: Moderate | $35-75/mo

Protein Powder for weight loss

Evidence: Strong | $30-90/mo

Weight Loss Patches for weight loss

Evidence: None | $10-50/mo

Natural Appetite Suppressants for weight loss

Evidence: Moderate | $10-40/mo

Peptides for Weight Loss for weight loss

Evidence: Weak | $150-450/mo

Lemon Balm for weight loss

Evidence: None | $15-40/mo

Pink Salt (Himalayan Salt) for weight loss

Evidence: None | $1-5/mo

View all supplements reviewed

Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Supplements are not a substitute for evidence-based medical treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor, pharmacist, or accredited practising dietitian before starting any supplement.

Supplements listed as AUST L on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods have been assessed by the TGA for safety and quality only, not for efficacy. An AUST L listing does not mean the TGA has verified that a supplement works for weight loss.

Data sourced from PubMed, Cochrane, TGA ARTG, FSANZ, and published clinical trial data. Last reviewed April 2026.