Effects of vinegar consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: Studies that investigated the association between the consumption of vinegar and various cardiometabolic parameters have yielded conflicting results. In this work, we investigated the effects of vinegar consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors using a meta-analysis.Methods: Relevant studies were identified using four databases (Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) up to January 2022. Of the 2806 articles from the initial search, 11 RCTs with 12 treatment arms were included in the meta-analysis. The RCTs focused on both healthy individuals and individuals with cardiometabolic disorders.Results: Consumption of vinegar was associated with significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (WMD: -9.36 mg/dL, 95% CI: -14.82, -3.91) and glycated hemoglobin (WMD: -0.67, 95% CI: -1.36, - 0.01). In terms of lipid profile, there was a significant reduction in total cholesterol (WMD: -18.87 mg/dL, 95% CI: -34.44, -3.29) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -21.37 mg/dl, 95% CI: -37.54, -5.20), but non-significant reductions in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were noted, although the latter reduction was of clinical significance (WMD: -21.47 mg/dl, 95% CI: -49.72, 6.77). In addition, no significant changes in fat mass and waist circumference were observed, while significant reductions in body mass index (WMD: -0.39 kg/m2, 95% CI: -0.74, -0.04, p = 0.028) and body weight (WMD: -0.73 kg, 95% CI: -1.45, -0.01) were noted with dubious clinical relevance.Conclusion: In conclusion, the consumption of vinegar may have beneficial effects on some glycemic and lipid indices and could be considered as an intervention for weight loss.