Dr. Carol Johnston of Arizona State University (ASU) and other researchers from ASU and Systems Precision Engineering and Advanced Research (SPEAR) published an article in Nutrients titled, “Daily Vinegar Ingestion Improves Depression and Enhances Niacin Metabolism in Overweight Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
This data provides additional support that daily vinegar ingestion over four weeks can improve self-reported depression symptomology in generally healthy adults and that alterations in niacin metabolism may factor into this improvement. Future research examining the effects of vinegar administration in clinically depressed or at-risk populations, and those on antidepressant medications, is warranted. A focus on mechanisms and large patient samples will strengthen the science and provide the evidence to more firmly demonstrate vinegar’s role in health promotion. Vinegar is inexpensive, easily incorporated into diet, and widely accessible. The culinary history of vinegar dates back thousands of years across many cultures; adding vinegar to sauces, dressings, and marinades may achieve a much greater benefit than simply spicing up the diet.
The full study can be viewed here.