Apple Cider Vinegar Dosage: How Much Should You Drink per Day?

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Apple cider vinegar is often recommended as a natural way to control blood sugar levels, especially for people with insulin resistance.

When taken before a high carb meal, vinegar slows the rate of stomach emptying and prevents large blood sugar spikes (1).

It also improves insulin sensitivity, which helps your body move more glucose out of the bloodstream and into your cells, thus lowering blood sugar levels (2).

Interestingly, only a small amount of apple cider vinegar is needed to have these effects.

Generally, taking 4 teaspoons (tsp.), or 20 mL, of apple cider vinegar before meals has been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels after eating (2, 3).

It should be mixed with a few ounces (oz.) of water and consumed right before a high carb meal (1).

Apple cider vinegar does not significantly lower blood sugar when taken before a low carb or high fiber meal (4).

Summary

Drinking 4 tsp. (20 mL) of apple cider vinegar diluted in water immediately before a high carb meal can reduce blood sugar spikes.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition associated with abnormal menstrual cycles, high levels of androgen hormones, ovarian cysts, and insulin resistance (5).

One older 3-month study found that females with PCOS who drank 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of apple cider vinegar with about 7 oz. (100 mL) of water immediately after dinner had improved hormone levels and experienced more regular periods (6).

While further research is needed to confirm these results, 1 tbsp. (15 mL) each day appears to be an effective dose for improving PCOS symptoms.

Summary

Regularly drinking 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of apple cider vinegar with about 7 oz. (100 mL) of water after dinner may improve symptoms of PCOS.

Though more research is needed on the long-term effects of vinegar, it may help people lose weight by suppressing appetite when consumed alongside a meal (7).

In one 2009 study, 1 or 2 tbsp. (15 or 30 mL) of apple cider vinegar daily for 3 months helped people with overweight lose an average of 2.6 and 3.7 pounds (lbs.), or 1.2 and 1.7 kilograms (kg), respectively (8).

Taking 2 tbsp. each day have also been found to help people lose nearly twice as much weight in 3 months compared to people who didn’t consume apple cider vinegar (9).

However, a recent review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar for weight loss. Therefore, more high quality research is needed (10).

You can stir it into a glass of water and drink it before meals or mix it with oil to make a salad dressing.

Apple cider vinegar is more likely to aid weight loss when combined with other diet and lifestyle changes.

Summary

Drinking 1–2 tbsp. (15–30 mL) of apple cider vinegar each day for several months may increase weight loss in people with overweight. However, more research is needed.

Many people take apple cider vinegar before high protein meals to improve digestion.

The theory is that apple cider vinegar increases the acidity of your stomach, which helps your body create more pepsin, the enzyme that breaks down protein (11).

While there is no research to support the use of vinegar for digestion, other acidic supplements, such as betaine HCL, may help significantly increase the acidity of the stomach (12).

Acidic foods like apple cider vinegar may have similar effects, but more research is needed.

Those who take apple cider vinegar for digestion typically drink 1 to 2 tbsp. (15–30 mL) with a glass of water immediately before meals, but there is currently no evidence to support this dose.

Summary

Some claim drinking 1 to 2 tbsp. (15–30 mL) of apple cider vinegar before meals can aid digestion. However, there is currently no research to support this practice.

Other popular reasons for taking apple cider vinegar include protecting against heart disease, reducing the risk of cancer, and fighting infection.

There is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, and no recommended dosages for humans are available.

Animal and test-tube studies suggest that vinegar may reduce the risk of heart disease, protect against cancer, and slow the growth of bacteria, but no studies have been performed in humans (13, 14, 15).

Several studies have found that people who regularly eat salads with vinegar-based dressings tend to have a lower risk of heart disease and less belly fat, but this could be due to other factors (9, 16).

More human research is needed to understand the best dose of apple cider vinegar for general health and wellness.

Summary

There is no evidence that apple cider vinegar can protect against heart disease, cancer, or infection in humans, so no dosage recommendations can be made.

Apple cider vinegar is relatively safe to consume but can cause side effects in some people.

Since apple cider vinegar’s acidity is responsible for many of its health benefits, be sure not to mix it with anything that could neutralize the acid and reduce its positive effects (17).

Keep in mind that vinegar’s acidity may also damage tooth enamel with regular use. Drinking through a straw and rinsing your mouth with water afterward can help prevent this (18, 19).

While drinking apple cider vinegar is associated with health benefits, regularly consuming large amounts for long periods can be dangerous and may be linked to side effects, including low blood potassium levels (20).

If you experience uncomfortable side effects after taking apple cider vinegar, stop taking it and discuss these symptoms with a doctor.

Summary

Apple cider vinegar is relatively safe in small quantities but may erode tooth enamel or cause stomach upset in some people. Large amounts may be unsafe to consume over long periods of time.

Apple cider vinegar can help manage blood sugar, improve symptoms of PCOS, and promote weight loss.

A typical dose is 1–2 tbsp. (15–30 mL) mixed with water and taken before or after meals.

Research doesn’t support claims that it can improve digestion and prevent heart disease, cancer, or infection.

Apple cider vinegar is a relatively safe supplement to consume in moderation but has not been extensively researched.

Future studies may reveal more potential uses and benefits and help clarify the most effective dosages.