Therapeutic effect of daily vinegar ingestion for individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Vinegar ingestion reduces postprandial glycemia and lowers hemoglobin A1c in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the long‐term effect of vinegar in non‐T2D is not known. This 12‐week, randomized, parallel‐arm trial examined the impact of vinegar ingestion on fasting and postprandial glucose in high‐risk individuals (fasting glucose, 98.3±3.7 mg/dl; fasting insulin, 19.0±2.9 uU/ml). Of the 14 participants (13/1 F/M; 46.0±3.9 y; 28.5±1.4 kg/m2), 8 were diagnosed prediabetic but not prescribed hypoglycemic medications. Two daily treatments were followed: VIN [2 tablespoons vinegar or 1.5 g acetic acid] or CON [2 vinegar pills or 0.08 g acetic acid]. Treatments were taken as a divided dose immediately prior to the lunch and dinner meals daily. Fasting glucose and 2‐h postprandial glucose concentrations were recorded daily using a glucometer. Reductions in fasting glucose were immediate and sustained for VIN vs. CON (average 12 week reduction: −16.3±4.9 and −4.5±3.2 mg/dl respectively, p=0.05). Controlling for prediabetes diagnosis did not impact these results. Average 12 week reductions in 2‐h postprandial glucose did not vary significantly between groups (−7.7±6.9 vs. 3.3±5.4 mg/dl for VIN and CON respectively, p=0.259). These results support a therapeutic effect for vinegar in individuals at risk for T2D, including those diagnosed with prediabetes. Funded by graduate college student award.