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The Retracted ACV Study, Explained

2026 audit  //  6 min read

Short answer: In March 2024, BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health published a randomised trial of apple cider vinegar in 120 Lebanese adolescents and young adults, reporting 5-7kg weight loss over twelve weeks. On 23 September 2025, that study was retracted.

Why the retraction happened

Outside researchers raised concerns almost immediately, noting some results looked statistically improbable. BMJ Group referred the paper to statistical experts, who could not replicate the analyses.

What the retraction notice specifically cited

The approach to statistical analysis, implausible statistical values, the reliability of the raw data, inadequate reporting of methods, and the absence of prospective trial registration.

None of this means apple cider vinegar is harmful or useless — the post-meal glucose research is separate and still stands. It means the headline weight-loss claim lost its main scientific support.

Verify it yourself

BMJ Group's official retraction statement, Retraction Watch coverage, NutraIngredients reporting, and ScienceDaily's summary are all publicly available primary sources worth reading directly.

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