Study Finds Vinegar’s Surprising Effect on Depression

A recent study has uncovered a surprising potential treatment for depression: vinegar. Researchers from Arizona State University have found that daily consumption of vinegar could significantly improve symptoms of depression, hinting at its potential as “a simple and natural treatment option.”

The Study and Its Findings

The study divided 28 overweight but otherwise healthy adults into two groups. One group consumed two tablespoons of red wine vinegar twice daily, while the other took a pill containing a minimal amount of vinegar. Participants’ mental health was assessed over four weeks using two standard surveys: the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

While there was no significant difference between the groups on the CES-D, the PHQ-9 results showed a notable 42% reduction in depressive symptoms in the group taking higher amounts of vinegar, compared to an 18% reduction in the control group.

The Role of Vitamin B3

One of the most significant findings was an 86% increase in nicotinamide levels (a form of vitamin B3) among those who consumed vinegar daily. Vitamin B3 has been linked to anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to the improvement in depression symptoms.

“This data provides additional support that daily vinegar ingestion over four weeks can improve self-reported depression symptomology in generally healthy adults,” the researchers noted, adding that changes in vitamin B3 metabolism might play a key role in these benefits.

Limitations and Future Directions

Despite the promising results, the study had some limitations, including a small sample size and participants with low-level depression. Additionally, the improvements in PHQ-9 symptoms were not statistically significant in secondary analyses that adjusted for baseline scores. However, the researchers believe that the findings warrant further investigation.

A Promising Avenue for Depression Treatment

Depressive disorders are among the most common mental health issues worldwide, and current treatments often come with serious side effects and varying levels of effectiveness. This study suggests that vinegar could be a simple, effective adjunct therapy, offering a natural alternative for those seeking to manage their depression.

The researchers conclude that “future studies should focus on the effects of vinegar in clinically depressed or at-risk populations, as well as those on antidepressant medications.” Larger sample sizes and a deeper exploration of the mechanisms behind vinegar’s effects could help solidify its role in mental health treatment.

Read the Original Article on: Science Alert

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