Could vinegar consumption impact depression?

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered that daily vinegar consumption might help reduce depressive symptoms.

Their study, published in the journal Nutrients, shows a significant decrease in depressive symptoms among participants who consumed red wine vinegar for four weeks. These findings pave the way for new avenues in complementary treatments for depression.


To conduct this study, 28 overweight but otherwise healthy adults were recruited. The participants were divided into two groups: one consumed two tablespoons of red wine vinegar diluted in water twice a day, while the other group took a pill containing a very small amount of vinegar.

Throughout the four-week experiment, participants filled out standardized mental health questionnaires, such as the CES-D (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression) and the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire).

The results indicated that the group consuming the liquid vinegar saw a 42% reduction in depressive symptoms, compared to only 18% in the control group taking the vinegar pills. Furthermore, researchers observed an 86% increase in the level of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) in participants from the liquid vinegar group.

This nutrient is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which may explain the improvement in symptoms.

However, this study has certain limitations. It was conducted with a small sample size, and the observed improvements are not significant when adjusted for baseline questionnaire scores.

Nonetheless, the researchers, led by nutritionist Haley Barrong, believe these preliminary results warrant further investigation. They are considering future studies involving larger populations, including clinically depressed patients or those on antidepressants.

Depressive disorders are among the most common mental health issues worldwide. Current treatments, primarily antidepressants, can cause significant side effects, and their effectiveness varies from person to person. Therefore, discovering simple and effective complementary therapies, such as vinegar consumption, could be a promising option.

Acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, has already been linked to other health benefits, such as reducing obesity, improving blood sugar levels, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study suggests it may also have positive effects on mental health, making it a potential complement to conventional depression treatments.