From the Guidelines
Apple cider vinegar is not proven effective for treating the common cold. Despite popular claims, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting its use as a cold remedy. While apple cider vinegar contains some antimicrobial properties in laboratory settings, these effects haven't been demonstrated to work against cold viruses in the human body. Some people use diluted apple cider vinegar (typically 1-2 tablespoons in a glass of water) as a home remedy, believing it helps with congestion or sore throat, but these benefits are largely anecdotal. The common cold is caused by viruses that typically resolve on their own within 7-10 days. Better approaches for managing cold symptoms include rest, staying hydrated, using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever, and saline nasal sprays for congestion. If you choose to try apple cider vinegar despite the lack of evidence, always dilute it properly as the high acidity can damage tooth enamel and irritate the throat and digestive tract if consumed undiluted. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, there is no conclusive evidence to support the use of herbal remedies like apple cider vinegar for treating the common cold. Instead, the study suggests that symptomatic treatments such as antihistamines, decongestants, and analgesics may provide relief from cold symptoms. Additionally, the study recommends that patients with the common cold should be advised to follow up with their clinician if symptoms worsen or exceed the expected time of recovery, as stated in 1 and 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Apple Cider Vinegar in Treating Colds
- There is limited research directly linking apple cider vinegar to the treatment of the common cold 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A study published in 2019 found that apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties, which could potentially help in treating colds 3.
- However, the same study also found that the antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar cannot be generalized, and more research is needed to validate its effectiveness 3.
- Another study published in 2020 found that apple vinegar may have beneficial health effects, but the evidence is insufficient due to inadequate research of high quality 5.
- A study on the use of apple cider vinegar soaks for atopic dermatitis found that it did not improve skin barrier integrity and caused skin irritation in a majority of subjects 6.
- There is no direct evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar as an effective treatment for the common cold, and more research is needed to determine its potential benefits and risks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Potential Benefits and Risks
- Apple cider vinegar may have antimicrobial properties, which could potentially help in treating colds 3.
- However, it may also cause skin irritation and other side effects, especially when used in high concentrations or without proper dilution 6.
- The quality and labeling of apple cider vinegar products can be inconsistent, which may affect their safety and effectiveness 2.
Research Gaps
- More research is needed to validate the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in treating colds and to determine its potential benefits and risks 3, 5.
- Further studies should investigate the optimal dosage, concentration, and method of administration of apple cider vinegar for treating colds 3, 5.
- The quality and labeling of apple cider vinegar products should be standardized to ensure consistency and safety 2.