How does vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, affect blood sugar levels, and what is the recommended intake?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Vinegar and Blood Sugar: What to Know

Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, may help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and slowing carbohydrate digestion. Research suggests consuming 1–2 tablespoons diluted in a glass of water before meals is generally safe for most adults and may reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes.

However, blood sugar concerns can stem from many underlying causes—from diet and stress to prediabetes, thyroid issues, or other conditions. Home remedies like vinegar shouldn't replace understanding the root cause of your symptoms. If you're experiencing fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained changes, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if vinegar affects blood sugar levels Learn whether your blood sugar changes need care Find likely causes of blood sugar changes See OTC options for blood sugar symptoms Find a doctor for blood sugar concerns Discover medically valid home remedies for blood sugar Understand if vinegar impacts blood sugar dangerously

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Explanation

Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, has been studied for its effects on blood sugar levels. Research indicates that vinegar can help lower blood sugar levels, particularly after meals. This is because the acetic acid in vinegar helps slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual increase in blood sugar.

Recommended Intake

Amount: It is generally suggested to take about 1 to 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
How to Take: Dilute it in a glass of water and consume it before meals.

Benefits

Blood Sugar Control: Helps in managing post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Easy to Use: Simple to incorporate into daily routines by mixing with water.

Considerations

Safety: While generally safe, consuming vinegar in large amounts can cause digestive issues.
Consultation: If you're experiencing symptoms related to blood sugar fluctuations or have concerns about your health, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be happening and get personalized guidance before starting any new dietary regimen.

By including vinegar in your diet in moderation, you may be able to support better blood sugar control.

(References)

Santos HO, de Moraes WMAM, da Silva GAR, Prestes J, & Schoenfeld BJ. (2019). Vinegar (acetic acid) intake on glucose metabolism. Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 31221273.
Jafarirad S, Elahi MR, Mansoori A, Khanzadeh A, & Haghighizadeh MH. (2023). The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a .... Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare, 38028980.
Cheng LJ, Jiang Y, Wu VX, & Wang W. (2020). A systematic review and meta-analysis: Vinegar .... Journal of advanced nursing, 31667860.

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