Apple cider vinegar (or ACV) is an apple juice product made through fermentation and is employed as a nutraceutical for its various health benefits. ACV is found to have the therapeutic properties of acetic acid, micronutrients, enzymes, and bioactive substances, making it a medically significant product (1). However, you might be wondering if you can consume apple cider vinegar while breastfeeding, and if so, does it affect the baby. This post discusses ACV consumption during breastfeeding, including its safety, potential health benefits, adverse effects, and more.

Is It Safe To Use Apple Cider Vinegar When Breastfeeding?

Yes, organic, filtered, and pasteurized apple cider vinegar is safe to use when breastfeeding. Raw and unpasteurized ACV can have several nutrients, but it might also contain bacteria from raw apple juice (2). It is not entirely known if maternal consumption of the unpasteurized ACV has any effect on the baby’s health. But if bacteria affect the health of a lactating mother, then it might indirectly affect the breastfeeding baby as well.

Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar While Breastfeeding

Apple cider vinegar is considered to have acetic acid, pectin, multivitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, biotin, and vitamin C. It is also believed to have several bioactive compounds such as polyphenols that possess antioxidant activities (3).

  1. Weight loss: The use of ACV might help in losing weight. A research study published in the Journal of Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, found that acetic acid could suppress body fat accumulation in animals. The study concluded that the daily intake of vinegar might be useful in reducing obesity that in turn, will help in the prevention of metabolic syndrome (4).
  2. Regulates sugar: Acetic acid, as the base ingredient of vinegar, has shown to affect glucose metabolism and absorption (5). Besides, it has also shown to improve the functioning of pancreatic beta-cells in rats. Additionally, its effects on delayed gastric emptying post the intake of starchy meals has also been demonstrated in healthy individuals (6).
  3. Digestive health: Apple cider vinegar, taken regularly, might help in maintaining digestive health (3). However, there are limited clinical studies on its usefulness for digestive health. It is good to consult a doctor if you plan to take ACV for digestive health.
  4. Improves immunity: A research study published in the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research attributed acetic acid to ACV’s antimicrobial properties that contribute to its immune-boosting property (7) (8). Another study has demonstrated the immunomodulatory properties of cider vinegar (9).
  5. Heart health: A research study suggested that ACV can possibly help in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of ACV has shown to lower the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum (3). A study published in the Journal of Membrane Biology says that ACV possesses free radical scavenging properties and inhibits lipids peroxidation that is required to reduce serum lipid levels (10).
  6. Detoxification: Apple cider vinegar, used medicinally, can help detoxify the body. Its regular use can also help restore and balance the body’s pH (3).

Possible Side-Effects Of ACV When Breastfeeding

Apple cider vinegar could cause side effects that might affect breastfeeding. A few of them are (11):

  1. Low potassium levels: Excessive consumption of ACV is associated with low potassium levels. If you take medications for high blood pressure (generally diuretics), then apple cider vinegar intake can worsen the levels of potassium.
  2. Low sugar levels: Apple cider vinegar is known to regulate sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, you should be cautious about the quantity of ACV since it can have a possible interaction with insulin. This interaction might cause a negative fluctuation in sugar levels, thus posing a threat to your health and overall well-being.

Precautions To Take While Taking Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is likely safe to use. However, to mitigate the risk of any side-effects, you may follow these precautions.

Simple Recipes Using Apple Cider Vinegar, For Breastfeeding Mothers

1. Honey and apple cider vinegar drink

This recipe is a perfect addition to your early morning routine. The sweetness of honey with the tanginess of apple cider vinegar is a unique combination that lightens up your lazy mornings and gets you going. You will need:

2 cups of water ½tsp of organic honey 1tbsp apple cider vinegar 1tsp lemon juice A dash of red pepper Ice cubes

How to: Tip: You can add one teaspoon of chia seeds to this recipe. If you plan to add chia seeds, then keep the drink refrigerated for 15-20 minutes before consuming it.

2. Herbal tea with apple cider vinegar

It is a good addition to your diet after a meal or early evening routine. The calming effects of herbal tea with the zesty flavor of ACV can make you feel refreshed after an exhaustive day. You will need:

1tsp apple cider vinegar ½tsp lemon juice 2-3 drops of honey 1 green tea bag Sliced ginger strips A dash of cinnamon

How to:

3. Apple cider vinegar salad dressing

This recipe is a valuable addition to your salads. Drizzle this dressing over your vegetable or chicken salad and enjoy the tangy flavor. You will need:

¼ cup cider vinegar 1tsp lemon juice ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1tsp red pepper Salt and pepper to taste

How to:

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