Dr Phil Full Episode S14E41 [63992c]
2025-07-29
Post Time: 2025-07-29
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been lauded for centuries for its potential health benefits, ranging from weight management to improved digestion. However, the strong taste and acidity of liquid ACV can be a deterrent for many. This has led to the rise in popularity of **ACV gummies**, promising the same benefits in a more palatable and convenient form. But, do these gummies live up to the hype, or are they simply another health fad? Let’s delve into the science, practicality, and claims surrounding ACV gummies. The core appeal of ACV gummies lies in their simplicity and taste. Instead of the pungent liquid, consumers are offered a sweet, chewable treat. These gummies usually contain **apple cider vinegar powder**, as well as additional ingredients such as sweeteners, flavorings, and often other vitamins and minerals. They often come with claims of weight loss, improved digestion, and detoxification. However, the crucial question remains: are these promises substantiated? This article explores the realities behind ACV gummies and examines whether they truly work as marketed. --- # What’s Actually in ACV Gummies? Deconstructing the Ingredients To understand the efficacy of ACV gummies, it’s vital to scrutinize their ingredients. The primary component, **apple cider vinegar powder**, is where the health benefits are purported to lie. However, the process of turning liquid ACV into a powder may diminish the active compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects, particularly **acetic acid**. Acetic acid is thought to be the primary driver of ACV's health benefits. Additionally, many gummies contain significant amounts of added sugars, corn syrups, and artificial flavorings to improve their palatability. Here's a breakdown of common ingredients: * **Apple Cider Vinegar Powder:** The central ingredient, ideally containing a good concentration of acetic acid. * **Sweeteners:** Often glucose, fructose, or corn syrup, necessary to mask the sour taste of ACV. * **Pectin or Gelatin:** Used as a gelling agent to give the gummy its form. * **Artificial or Natural Flavorings:** For improved taste and aroma. * **Colorings:** To enhance the visual appeal. * **Additional Vitamins or Minerals:** Sometimes, gummies are fortified with vitamins like B12 or folate. The issue with these formulations lies in the dosage and bioavailability. A typical dose of liquid ACV is 1-2 tablespoons mixed with water, which amounts to a good concentration of acetic acid. **ACV gummies, in comparison, contain a smaller amount of ACV powder**, and therefore a reduced quantity of acetic acid. This dilution of the active ingredient may significantly diminish the potential health effects. This table further illustrates the comparison between liquid ACV and a typical ACV Gummy: | Feature | Liquid ACV | ACV Gummies | |------------------|-------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Form | Liquid | Chewable Gummy | | Acetic Acid Conc. | High | Lower due to Powder Conversion & Dosage | | Taste | Very strong, sour | Sweet, often with fruit flavoring | | Dosage | 1-2 tablespoons diluted in water | 1-2 gummies per serving | | Added Ingredients | Minimal (can include the ‘mother’) | Sugars, flavorings, binding agents | It is crucial for consumers to analyze the labels of various ACV gummy brands. Not all brands are equal; some may offer higher concentrations of ACV and fewer unnecessary additives. However, the fundamental issue of lower acetic acid dosage remains a challenge compared to liquid ACV. --- # The Scientific Evidence: What Does the Research Say? While anecdotal evidence and claims made by manufacturers may be compelling, what does the scientific research reveal about ACV, and specifically, ACV gummies? Studies on liquid **ACV have indicated some potential benefits**, including: * **Blood Sugar Management**: Some studies suggest ACV can improve insulin sensitivity and lower post-meal blood glucose spikes. A meta-analysis published in the *Journal of Diabetes Research* found that consuming ACV can result in statistically significant reductions in HbA1c, which is a measure of long-term blood sugar control. * **Weight Management**: ACV may promote a feeling of fullness and potentially support weight loss. A study in the *Journal of Functional Foods* demonstrated that participants who consumed ACV as part of a low-calorie diet saw slightly better weight loss outcomes. * **Cholesterol Levels**: Some research suggests a positive impact on lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides. A review study in the journal *Nutrients* supports the potential of acetic acid to regulate blood lipids. * **Digestion**: While some people find ACV improves digestive symptoms, the scientific evidence is less robust in this area. A study in *BioMed Central Complementary and Alternative Medicine* showed a mixed bag of results in terms of effects on gut health. It's imperative to note that most of these studies used liquid ACV, not the powdered form used in gummies. While the acetic acid content in the ACV is theoretically the main contributor to these potential benefits, it's unknown how its powdering and low concentration in gummies affects them. It can be argued that because gummies typically contain less ACV compared to the equivalent amount of liquid ACV in studies showing positive effects, these effects are likely to be significantly diminished, if not completely ineffective. Moreover, the **low bioavailability** of acetic acid from the gummies, due to the chemical changes that happen during the processing, may impede any health benefits. Research is lacking in studies specifically evaluating ACV gummies’ effectiveness, making it harder to make definitive conclusions. At the moment, there isn't concrete, peer-reviewed research that specifically verifies these claims in relation to ACV gummies. The efficacy claims associated with the gummies are largely extrapolations based on studies done on the liquid form of ACV, which is a potentially problematic assumption given the significant difference in formulation. --- # Potential Downsides and Side Effects Beyond the question of effectiveness, it's crucial to consider the potential drawbacks of consuming ACV gummies. * **Added Sugars**: Most gummies contain significant amounts of sugars to mask the tartness of ACV. High sugar intake is associated with numerous health problems, such as weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and dental decay. For example, some brands contain 4-6g of sugars per 2-gummy dose. When this is scaled over a few doses per day, the sugar consumption can have a negative impact. * **Dental Erosion**: While less acidic than liquid ACV, the continuous consumption of ACV gummies might still pose a threat to tooth enamel due to its acidic components. Dentists recommend washing mouth after having anything acidic. The low pH of the ACV, despite it being in gummy format, is a potential source for dental erosion, * **Digestive Issues**: In some individuals, ACV might lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, nausea, and acid reflux. Although usually associated with drinking the undiluted liquid version, even a lower dose in gummies could still cause similar, though less severe, side effects in sensitive individuals. * **Drug Interactions**: Though relatively mild, ACV may interact with certain medications, including diuretics and insulin. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting ACV supplements, particularly if you are taking any medication, as it may interfere with blood sugar or potassium levels. * **Lack of Regulation**: As supplements, ACV gummies are not as strictly regulated as medications. This lack of regulation means that claims may not be fully verified. Consumers have to rely on the brand's word as there isn’t a neutral authority checking its validity. | Side Effect | Description | |------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Added Sugar | Can contribute to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and dental issues | | Dental Erosion | Prolonged exposure can erode tooth enamel | | Digestive Issues | May cause bloating, nausea, or acid reflux | | Drug Interactions | Can interfere with medications such as diuretics and insulin | | Lack of Regulation | Claims may not be verified; ingredient quality may vary | --- # The Bottom Line: Should You Buy ACV Gummies? So, are ACV gummies a worthwhile investment or just a hyped-up trend? Here's a balanced conclusion: * **The Convenience Factor**: ACV gummies are undoubtedly easier and more palatable than liquid ACV. For individuals who cannot tolerate the taste of ACV, gummies provide a convenient alternative. * **Effectiveness is Unproven**: The vast majority of studies promoting the health benefits of ACV are based on the liquid form. Gummies contain a much lower dose of the active compound, acetic acid, as well as other additives which means they will likely provide minimal or no benefits. The conversion into powder form and dosage differences might significantly reduce their efficacy. * **Potential Health Downsides**: The added sugars, potential for dental erosion, and gastrointestinal issues can overshadow some minor convenience factors for the most health-conscious consumers. * **More Research Needed**: There is an obvious need for scientific research focusing specifically on ACV gummies and not merely extrapolating benefits from the liquid form. Until such research becomes available, the effectiveness of ACV gummies will remain unconfirmed and speculative. If you are considering ACV for its health benefits, using **liquid ACV** in the traditional manner may provide more significant health benefits. If you choose to consume ACV gummies, be mindful of the added sugars and other potentially harmful ingredients. Ultimately, as consumers, it's paramount to make informed decisions based on science and practical reasoning rather than relying solely on marketing hype. Consult with a healthcare provider before introducing any supplement or health product into your routine, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. #drphil #fullepisode Badmouthing, Bruises and a Bitter Custody Battle: What Does the Neighbor Say? Linda's neighbor acv for health keto + acv gummies Sandra is in the middle of a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband, Joey, and Linda says she’s tired of watching their two shark tank acv keto gummies daughters get caught in the middle — and she wrote into Dr. Phil for help! Sandra claims her daughters tell her concerning things after visiting with Joey. Sandra even says that she suspects that Joey may have "poisoned their ice cream," touched them inappropriately and even, according to Sandra, put one keto+acv gummies acv+bhb 750mg child in a garbage bag, filled it with rocks and left her in a bathtub with the water running, and Sandra claims she fears for their lives. Joey unequivocally denies Sandra’s accusations and is adamant that he’s been nothing but a good dad. Linda says Sandra is constantly telling her stories about Joey, and she’s still not sure who to believe. Tune in as Dr. Phil tries to get to the bottom of these accusations. Will polygraph tests help determine who’s telling the truth? This program contains strong sexual content. Viewer discretion advised.