Science and Research

Weight Loss Study ⁣on Apple Cider Vinegar Retracted by BMJ​ Nutrition, Prevention & Health

Reports suggesting⁢ young people could lose weight using simple apple cider vinegar gained traction in the media, including coverage from Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ). However, a study published⁣ in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health supporting⁤ this claim has now been retracted.

From⁤ its⁣ initial ‍publication, the six-page ⁤study faced significant criticism from experts. Concerns raised included inadequate subject​ facts and a lack of pre-study registration – a standard practice in many countries and a requirement for ⁣publication in numerous specialist journals. Study registration⁣ promotes transparency by informing other researchers about project methodology and goals.

Skeptics also questioned the biological plausibility of apple cider vinegar⁢ causing the reported weight loss. The study claimed participants lost an average of five ​to⁢ seven kilograms over twelve weeks while consuming the acidic liquid, either as a placebo or‍ in varying‍ doses. researchers then statistically compared the ​groups‌ over different time‌ periods.

The study’s statistical methods where a major point of contention. experts argued the methods used by⁤ the ‌Lebanese ⁤researchers to demonstrate ‌the⁣ robustness of their results were inappropriate. Furthermore, the statistical uncertainties were amplified by comparing groups with relatively small participant numbers.

A deeper examination commissioned by the BMJ Group, the publisher, involved a team of statistics experts who were unable to replicate the study’s results. They identified multiple errors⁢ in the ‌statistical analysis and discovered irregularities ⁤in the ⁤original participant data, prompting a further independent​ review.

Ultimately, the ​authors agreed to the retraction and ⁤acknowledged flaws in their work. these ⁤included rounding errors and ⁤issues transferring⁤ data from statistical⁣ software to the‍ text’s tables, as well as confusion between⁤ different versions of the manuscript.

Helen Macdonald, editor responsible ​for ethics and​ integrity at ⁤the BMJ ‌Group, stated, “As tempting as it may⁣ be to draw readers to an ​apparently simple and apparently helpful means of weight loss – the results‍ of ⁤the study ⁤are currently unreliable” and‍ should not be disseminated further.

Martin Kohlmeier, editor-in-chief of the journal, acknowledged the decision to initially publish the study was a mistake. He explained the journal aims to prioritize high-quality evidence, often derived from clinical studies, but these ​are relatively scarce in the field of nutritional science, and the ⁤authors came from a scientific surroundings⁣ underrepresented ​in nutritional research.