Apple cider vinegar intake can significantly decrease total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose levels contributing to better cardiovascular health among adults.
The research process involved a thorough examination of electronic databases such as Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge, from their creation until January 2020. The goal was to discover any clinical trial that explored the influence of apple cider vinegar (ACV) on lipid profiles and glycemic indicators. Studies where ACV was combined with other interventions or where the intervention duration was less than two weeks were excluded. To manage the differences between studies, a random-effects model was applied during the meta-analysis process comprising nine studies, including ten study arms.
ACV use demonstrated a remarkable decrease in total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. However, there wasn't a noticeable impact observed on LDL-C, HDL-C, fasting insulin concentrations, or HOMA-IR serum levels. When analyzed further, it was found that a reduction in serum TC and TG occurred in a patient subgroup with type 2 diabetes, those who consumed less than or equal 15 mL/day of ACV, and those who consumed it for over 8-weeks. Consequently, a significant decrease in FPG levels was found in studies where participants consumed ACV for more than 8 weeks. Interestingly, FPG and HDL-C levels appeared to increase in participants who were otherwise healthy.
