Apple Cider Vinegar & Pancreatitis: What You Need to Know

study PMID: 39238884

Quick Summary: A recent study suggests a possible link between apple cider vinegar (ACV) supplements and a serious condition called acute pancreatitis. In this case, an 84-year-old woman developed pancreatitis after taking an ACV supplement.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Pancreatitis: The Connection

This study looked at one specific case where an elderly woman developed acute pancreatitis. Doctors suspected the ACV supplement she was taking for weight loss might be the cause. After stopping the supplement, her pancreatitis improved. This highlights a potential, though rare, risk associated with ACV supplements.

Study Details

Who was studied: One 84-year-old woman.

How long: The study focused on the acute episode, from the onset of symptoms to recovery, which took a few days.

What they took: The woman was taking an apple cider vinegar supplement (1,500 mg daily).

What This Means For You

Be Aware: While this is just one case, it's a reminder that even "natural" supplements can have side effects.

Talk to Your Doctor: If you're taking ACV supplements, especially in high doses, and experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, see a doctor immediately.

Consider Your Health: If you have a history of digestive issues, talk to your doctor before taking ACV supplements.

Do Your Research: Supplements aren't always as strictly regulated as medications. Look for reputable brands and discuss them with your doctor.

Study Limitations

One Person: This study only looked at one person, so we can't say for sure that ACV caused the pancreatitis. More research is needed.

No Comparison: The study didn't compare the woman to a group of people who didn't take ACV.

We Don't Know the Full Story: We don't know exactly how long she took the supplement before the problem started.

Key Findings

This case report identifies a potential association between apple cider vinegar (ACV) supplementation and acute pancreatitis in an 84-year-old woman. After excluding other known causes (e.g., alcohol, gallstones), the authors concluded that ACV likely contributed to the condition. The patient’s symptoms resolved following discontinuation of the supplement and supportive care. The study emphasizes the need for heightened awareness of supplement-induced pancreatitis, particularly with poorly regulated products.

Study Design

The study is a single-case report published in 2024, analyzing a clinical scenario in an 84-year-old female. Methodology included medical history review, laboratory tests, imaging (CT scan showing pancreatic inflammation), and exclusion of alternative etiologies. No control group or comparative data were included. Sample size: n=1. Duration: acute episode onset and resolution over several days post-ACV cessation.

Dosage & Administration

The patient consumed a commercial ACV supplement at a dose of 1,500 mg/day (two 750 mg capsules) for weight loss purposes. Administration details: oral, unspecified timing relative to meals. Duration of use prior to symptom onset was not reported.

Results & Efficacy

No efficacy data were assessed, as the study focused on adverse effects. The primary outcome was acute pancreatitis diagnosis (elevated lipase/amylase levels, abdominal pain, CT confirmation). Laboratory results showed lipase 1,242 U/L (normal: 13–60 U/L) and amylase 241 U/L (normal: 23–85 U/L). Symptoms improved after stopping ACV and initiating intravenous fluids and analgesia. Causality was deemed "probable" using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale (score: 6).

Limitations

Single-case design: No causal inference possible; correlation does not imply causation.
Lack of controls: No comparison group or placebo data.
Self-reported supplement use: Potential for recall bias.
Unspecified dose duration: Unclear timeline between ACV initiation and pancreatitis onset.
Limited mechanistic evidence: Proposed mechanisms (e.g., acetic acid-induced ductal irritation) remain hypothetical.
Future research should explore ACV’s physiological effects on pancreatic tissue and conduct larger epidemiological studies.

Clinical Relevance

This report highlights a rare but severe adverse event linked to ACV supplements, which are often perceived as "natural" and safe. While causality cannot be confirmed, clinicians should consider supplement use in idiopathic pancreatitis cases, especially in older adults with gastrointestinal vulnerabilities. Patients are advised to exercise caution with high-dose ACV products and consult healthcare providers before use, particularly if they have preexisting GI conditions. The findings underscore the importance of pharmacovigilance for over-the-counter supplements lacking rigorous regulatory oversight.

Word count: 398