The BMJ Group has officially retracted a study that claimed apple cider vinegar could lead to significant weight loss. This decision follows concerns about the quality of the research published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health in March 2024. Such skepticism regarding the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar is not unfounded and has been echoed by numerous nutrition experts.
Retraction Details
According to the BMJ Group, the retraction stemmed from substantial concerns raised about the study’s methodology. Marion Nestle, a prominent nutritionist at NYU, questioned why the journal accepted the study initially, emphasizing the difference between general health benefits and specific claims regarding apple cider vinegar as a superfood.
Study Background
The original study focused on 120 participants in Lebanon who were obese or overweight. Over a 12-week period, those consuming daily doses of apple cider vinegar reportedly lost about 9% of their body mass. This initial result gained significant media attention and appeared to lend credibility to the claim that apple cider vinegar can enhance health.
Scientific Doubts
Despite the attention, many scientists raised concerns. Eric Trexler from Duke University noted that the reported weight loss results seemed overly optimistic. He expressed disappointment that the retraction took over a year after initial concerns were brought to the journal’s attention.
Impact on Apple Cider Vinegar’s Popularity
The retraction could be a setback for apple cider vinegar, a product famously endorsed by various celebrities, including Katy Perry and Kim Kardashian. These endorsements have drawn public interest, but scientific scrutiny has increased in recent years.
Critiques from Academic Institutions
Major medical institutions like Harvard Medical School and Mayo Clinic have publicly questioned the health claims surrounding apple cider vinegar, especially regarding weight loss and other health benefits. The University of Chicago also released a statement debunking earlier claims about its effectiveness against high blood pressure and cancer.
Future Prospects
Despite the backlash, apple cider vinegar remains popular in wellness circles. A recent forecast predicts that the global market for apple cider vinegar will continue to expand through 2032. This trend suggests that consumers may still believe in its various purported health benefits.
Company Response
In the wake of the retraction, Bragg Live Food Products, a major producer of apple cider vinegar, downplayed the study’s impact, asserting that they have never relied solely on it to promote their acetic acid claims.
- Retraction by BMJ Group due to research quality concerns.
- Original study involved 120 participants over 12 weeks.
- Weight loss claim of 9% body mass loss questioned by experts.
- Market for apple cider vinegar anticipated to grow through 2032.
The ongoing debate about apple cider vinegar highlights the broader challenges of maintaining integrity in academic publishing and the importance of rigorous scientific evaluation.
