The use of apple cider vinegar for health and wellness has been widely discussed online, often driven by anecdotal experiences and unverified claims from social media, blogs, and influencers. As more people incorporate it into their routines—whether for gut health, weight loss, or other health benefits—it’s essential to evaluate both its potential advantages and the scientific research behind it, as well as the risks it may pose to overall and oral health. By staying informed about this growing trend, clinicians can better guide and support their patients.
Why do people take apple cider vinegar?
The use of apple cider vinegar is not new, with people recommending it for many years for a wide range of benefits including improved digestive health and immune system, and balancing blood sugar.[i] The standard recommendation is a tablespoon of unpasteurised apple cider vinegar with “the mother” diluted in eight ounces of water.[ii] However, for some people, this may be too much, particularly for those with conditions like acid reflux which may mean they should avoid using apple cider vinegar, or discuss this with their doctor before trying it.[iii]
Some wellness influencers have claimed that drinking apple cider vinegar before meals can reduce spikes in blood sugar by 30%. However, this is based on very small study sizes which only monitored short term effects and only took into account very limited circumstances.[iv] Further to this, some suggest that, by reducing cravings between meals, apple cider vinegar is helpful for weight loss, further increasing its popularity.[v] It’s important to assess the research in order to help understand how true any of these claims are, and best support patients who have tried or want to try it.
Is there any research to support its use?
Some research does acknowledge the potential benefits afforded by apple cider vinegar use, but it also recognises that further research is needed regarding its use as a supplement and the ideal duration of use. This is particularly important as much of the information about its use is circulated online, with readers not necessarily critically evaluating what they see.[vi]
The literature so far suggests that supplementing a healthy diet with apple cider vinegar may contribute to reduced insulin resistance, reduced fasting glucose, lower HbA1c levels, and weight loss. Research also highlights that the best way to improve insulin sensitivity is by losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise, whilst apple cider vinegar may be a helpful addition for some groups.[vii]
What are the potential risks?
What are the potential risks?Whilst its use may contribute to a patient achieving their health goals, it does not come without risks. These include delayed gastric emptying, worsening of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastrointestinal disturbances, and tooth erosion. Some research also suggests that its use as a supplement may be associated with acute pancreatitis.[viii]
For dental professionals the risk that patients are wearing away their enamel in this way will be of concern, and it’s important to make patients who have diets high in acid of any kind aware of the dangers to their oral health. Additionally, if patients are experiencing acid reflux or GERD, either as a result of taking apple cider vinegar or worsened by it, it’s important to offer specific advice about the effect this may have on their enamel, and refer them to a GP when appropriate.
How can clinicians support patients?
If patients are taking apple cider vinegar, recommend that they dilute it in water and drink it with a straw to minimise the impact of the acid on their teeth. In addition to this, recommend that they use a scientifically backed toothpaste that is clinically proven to give them the advanced protection they need to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth wear.
BioMin® F is the ideal solution. Formulated with bioactive glass containing fluoride ions, BioMin® F slowly releases fluoride over 12 hours, providing continuous protection against acid attacks throughout the day. Its smart technology means that only a low level of fluoride is needed, and is released in response to increased acidity in the mouth, for the right level of protection when it is needed the most.
With so much health and wellness related advice circulated online every day, it is important that clinicians are aware of the various supplements their patients may be taking, and their potential impact on their oral health. In doing so, clinicians can better help their patients protect their teeth in the long term, and offer relevant advice at the right time.
For more information about BioMin®, and their innovative range of toothpastes, please visit www.biomin.co.uk, or email marketing@biomin.co.uk.
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[i] Women’s Health. 8 Apple cider vinegar benefits for weight loss, digestion & soothing hangover symptoms. Accessed March 25. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/food/healthy-eating/a708203/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/
[ii] The Guardian. Is apple cider vinegar actually good for you? Accessed March 25. https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/mar/07/apple-cider-vinegar-is-it-good
[iii] The Guardian. Is apple cider vinegar actually good for you? Accessed March 25. https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/mar/07/apple-cider-vinegar-is-it-good
[iv] Women’s Health. 7 Glucose Goddess claims fact-checked by a nutritionist. Accessed March 25/ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/food/a63479623/glucose-goddess-hacks-reviewed-nutritionist/#6-the-claim-having-one-tablespoon-of-vinegar-before-sweet-or-starchy-meals-can-reduce-the-spike-of-your-meal-by-up-to-30
[v] Women’s Health. 8 Apple cider vinegar benefits for weight loss, digestion & soothing hangover symptoms. Accessed March 25. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/food/healthy-eating/a708203/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/
[vi] Kadłubek, Sabina, et al. “The Impact of Apple Cider Vinegar on Insulin Resistance and Related Conditions: Benefits, Mechanisms, and Potential Risks-Literature Review.” Journal of Education, Health and Sport 76 (2024): 56408-56408.
[vii] Kadłubek, Sabina, et al. “The Impact of Apple Cider Vinegar on Insulin Resistance and Related Conditions: Benefits, Mechanisms, and Potential Risks-Literature Review.” Journal of Education, Health and Sport 76 (2024): 56408-56408.
[viii] Kadłubek, Sabina, et al. “The Impact of Apple Cider Vinegar on Insulin Resistance and Related Conditions: Benefits, Mechanisms, and Potential Risks-Literature Review.” Journal of Education, Health and Sport 76 (2024): 56408-56408.
