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Medically reviewed by Sohaib Imtiaz, MD
Key Takeaways
- The general daily dosage guidelines for the health benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) are 1 tablespoon diluted in 8 ounces of water.
- Apple cider vinegar is taken as a supplement for possible benefits including weight loss and blood sugar control.
- Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, including ACV, as it can have side effects (such as tooth erosion) and several medications have harmful interactions with ACV.
Drinking 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, diluted in 8 ounces of water, daily may offer health benefits like weight management and improved digestion. However, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for you.
What ACV Daily Dosage Is Best?
A 2016 study suggests that consuming 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV), approximately 0.5 ounces or 15 milliliters, may provide health benefits such as:
- Digestion support: The acetic acid in ACV might improve digestion and promote a healthy gut.
- Weight management: ACV could increase feelings of fullness, potentially reducing calorie intake.
- Blood sugar regulation: Some research suggests ACV can improve insulin sensitivity and help manage blood sugar.
- Antimicrobial properties: ACV has antimicrobial effects that may help fight bacteria.
- May improve heart health: Some research indicates that ACV might lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Potential skin benefits: When used topically and diluted, ACV may balance skin pH and reduce acne.
The best time to consume ACV varies, but it is generally recommended to have it just before or during meals.
Maximum Safe Limit
To prevent side effects like digestive discomfort, limit your intake to no more than 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of ACV daily.
How Can You Safely Dilute Apple Cider Vinegar?
ACV should not be drunk straight, undiluted. Dilute ACV in water before drinking it. Each tablespoon of ACV should be diluted in 8 ounces of water.
ACV is considered safe when consumed in small quantities. There are several ways to incorporate ACV to your diet. The first is to add it to dishes when cooking. Options include:
- Marinades
- Pickling
- Salad dressings
- Sauces
What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a supplement that should not replace any prescribed medications or be considered a cure for any condition. Before you start using ACV, it's important to understand the potential risks and side effects.
A key concern is that ACV can interact with certain medications, potentially altering their effects. Here are some medications that can interact with ACV:
- Insulin: Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels and, like ACV, can decrease potassium levels in the body. Using them together may cause potassium levels to become too low, affecting muscle and nerve function, including the heart.
- Digoxin: ACV can reduce potassium levels, which may increase the side effects of digoxin, a heart medication.
- Diuretic medications: Both ACV and diuretics lower potassium levels. Taking them together could lead to dangerously low potassium levels.
- Antidiabetic drugs: ACV can lower blood sugar levels, as can antidiabetic medications. Using them together may lead to unsafe blood sugar levels.
Other potential side effects of ACV include:
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Irritation of the esophagus (the tube carrying food from the mouth to the stomach)
- Stomach upset
People with kidney conditions might not be able to handle the extra acid from ACV. It's crucial to talk to a healthcare provider before taking ACV.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
ACV is a nutritional supplement that might offer health benefits to some people.
Supplements, including ACV, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to see if ACV is suitable for you. There are potential medication interactions and side effects for individuals with certain health conditions.
Read the original article on Verywell Health
