Are apple cider vinegar tablets good for you?

Prev Article Next Article

The apple cider vinegar craze is still alive and well, and while many people are curious about its purported benefits, some simply don’t like the idea of swallowing shots or spoonfuls of it in its natural acidic form. You may be in luck, as options like apple cider vinegar tablets and gummies have begun to infiltrate the market.

According to Jennifer Maeng, a New York City-based registered dietitian, founder of Chelsea Nutrition, and advisor to RD at Twinlab, apple cider vinegar alone contains probiotics and antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar and soothe the symptoms of acid reflux. ACV can also help relieve bloating and gas in people experiencing low heartburn.

What are apple cider vinegar tablets for?

If you don’t find pure or diluted apple cider vinegar palatable, pills or capsules may be an alternative option, and a better one than gummies, Maeng says. This is because gummies often have a significant amount of added sugar.

“Taking ACV as-is or in pill form can help avoid additional sugar intake, and the different levels of acetic acid in the gummies may lead to different effects than liquid ACV,” she says. “However, without enough available evidence, it’s hard to know for sure whether stroke pills can cause potential long-term or short-term side effects.”

BRAGG Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 oz

$6.19

Apple Cider Vinegar Pills vs Liquid

Are you now wondering if you should take ACV alone or if pills are just as good? While pills like Braggs apple cider vinegar capsules (which Maong recommends) may be a better option than gummies, Maong still recommends opting for ACV in its natural form if he can tolerate it.

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules

$19.99

You don’t have to take it neat or drink it diluted in water if that’s not your thing; You can also add it to salad dressing or sauce recipes, which can tone down its acidity if you find you’re sensitive to it.

side effects of apple cider vinegar

While it’s hard to say what effects consuming apple cider pills might have, Maong notes that consuming large amounts of ACV can damage the intestinal lining and tooth enamel, especially if taken undiluted. If you have chronic kidney disease, you may also want to avoid it, as it’s high in potassium, which your kidneys won’t be able to filter from your blood if you’ve eaten too much.

When to take apple cider vinegar pills

If you take ACV in its natural form, the optimal time to take it may vary depending on whether you’re taking it to help control other conditions. For example, Maong recommends taking it early in the morning or diluted 30 minutes before bed if you’re taking it for insulin resistance or acid reflux, respectively.

If you’re simply interested in trying ACV, she recommends consuming 2 tablespoons diluted in 8 ounces of water to drink or add to sauces or dressings.

apple cider vinegar for weight loss

You may also have heard of apple cider vinegar being touted for its weight loss effects. Unfortunately, experts are quick to debunk that myth. While he doesn’t generally recommend ACV for weight loss, Maong notes that it can be helpful if your weight gain is due to insulin resistance.

“[If this is the case,] I wouldn’t discourage my clients from trying it, especially after they’ve established a healthy lifestyle and routine that includes diet, exercise, stress management, sleep regulation, and menstrual cycle regulation,” she says.