Effects of Vinegar/Acetic Acid Intake on Appetite Measures and Energy Consumption: Systematic Review

Context Research suggests that the active ingredient in vinegar, acetic acid, may reduce appetite, thereby reducing energy consumption. Objective This article aims to assess the effect of vinegar or acetic acid on appetite measures and subsequent food intake in humans. Design This was conducted as a systematic literature review adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligibility Criteria All participants were considered, regardless of age or health status. Study Selection A search using MedLine (Ovid), PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library between January and April 2021 resulted in 12 studies. Main Outcome Measures Outcomes included appetite, measured using an appetite rating scale or visual analog scale; satiation, measured as food intake of intervention meal; and satiety, measured as the amount of food intake after vinegar or acetic acid consumption. Results Some short-term interventions indicate that vinegar containing at least 24.6 mmol acetic acid, when consumed alongside a meal containing solid foods, acutely suppresses appetite up to 120 min postprandially as well as ad libitum food intake 3 and 24 h after vinegar consumption. However, longer exposure vinegar interventions suggest that vinegar does not affect overall energy intake. Conclusions Further research is needed to determine whether oral vinegar consumption may lead to long-term appetite reduction, decrease energy intake, and aid in weight loss.