Daily vinegar drink could help relieve mild constipation, new study finds

Key Points:

• A new Japanese study suggests that daily consumption of a vinegar beverage containing acetic acid may improve bowel movement frequency in healthy adults with mild constipation, increasing bowel movements by about 1.2 per week after four weeks.
• The randomized controlled trial involved 44 participants who drank either a vinegar-based drink or a placebo daily; early improvements in bowel habits were more pronounced in the vinegar group, though both groups showed gradual improvement.
• Researchers caution that the findings are preliminary and do not apply to typical apple cider vinegar supplements or concentrated vinegar shots, emphasizing the need for further research to confirm efficacy and safety.
• Experts recommend maintaining established constipation treatments such as adequate fiber and fluid intake, regular exercise, and pelvic floor therapy, noting that vinegar’s acidity may cause esophageal irritation and dental enamel erosion if consumed undiluted or excessively.
• The study was funded by Mizkan Holdings, a vinegar manufacturer, and some researchers were employed by the company, highlighting potential conflicts of interest and the importance of independent verification.