Self-Experimentation: Does Vinegar Promote Weight Loss?

I reported recently that apple cider vinegar in a Japanese study population reduced body weight by 2.2 to 4.4 pounds (1—2 kg) over 12 weeks.  The dose was 15—30 ml daily, or 1—2 tbsp.  The researchers think the active ingredient is simply acetic acid.

On November 14, 2009, I started another self-experiment: I’m drinking 7.5 ml (1.5 tsp) Heinz apple cider vinegar twice daily, mixing it in 8—10 fl oz of water plus 1/2 packet (1.75 g) of  Truvia sweetener, with or without 1 heaping tsp of sugar-free Metamucil.  I’ll do this for 12 weeks.  If I weighed over 200 lb, I would have chosen the 30 ml/day vinegar dose.  But I’m only 155 lb.

Why Truvia?  We had some in the house, I don’t think I absorb its erythritol and rebiana, and it makes the vinegar much more palatable. 

Why Metamucil?  You can figure that one out, Spanky.

A small-scale “experiment of one” like this isn’t worth much.  Too many variables can affect the outcome.  For instance, the holiday season is just around the corner.  Most Americans gain five pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years.  I’ve been no exception to that in the past. 

I’m not totally committed to the experiment.  But I’ve gotta do something with that huge bottle of vinegar my wife bought.   

Steve Parker, M.D.