Apple cider vinegar in liquid form has been used for centuries for a wide variety of health conditions, from acne and acid reflux to gout and weight loss. Diabetics have found it helpful in regulating blood sugar, and heart patients have found that it lowers blood pressure. But can apple cider vinegar capsules be used instead? 

Some of the benefits of apple cider vinegar capsules are quite obvious, such as convenience, portability, and not having to deal with the acidic taste. But can you really get your apple a day through a pill? If so, how many apple cider vinegar capsules should you take? Will capsules work as well as the liquid form? Why take apple cider vinegar in the first place? Will ACV capsules help me lose weight and clear up my acne? We'll discuss the pros and cons of taking apple cider vinegar capsules below.

Advantages of Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules

1. The primary reason that consumers turn to apple cider vinegar capsules is that they dislike the taste of apple cider vinegar, even diluted. 
2. Apple cider vinegar capsules are certainly more convenient. Taking a couple of capsules is easier than drinking an entire glass of water with vinegar added to it. Apple cider vinegar liquid certainly holds no advantage over capsules if it is not used at all. 
3. Capsules are more portable. Even those who normally take apple cider vinegar liquid turn to capsules when traveling, especially by plane. It is definitely more convenient to put a bottle of pills in your handbag than a bottle of vinegar!

Disadvantages of Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules

1. Certainly a purist will say that a capsule is a poor substitute for the real thing. Less processing is nearly always preferred, and obviously capsules of vinegar powder are a more processed form of vinegar than the liquid in a bottle.
2. Most capsules contain fillers which are completely avoided by using the liquid.
3. People with digestive problems may not do as well with the gelatin capsules, especially if diarrhea is a problem; the capsules may be passed undigested. 
4. Not all capsules are vegetarian or allergen free and would not be suitable for as many consumers as liquid vinegar.
5. Dosages of capsules are more elusive.
6. Because liquid vinegar is taken in a good amount of water, and capsules can be taken with a minimum of water, those who consume vinegar the old fashioned way may have the added benefit of increased water consumption. 
7. Children, the elderly, and those with swallowing difficulties may not be able to swallow capsules.
8. While capsules avoid the taste of apple cider vinegar, they do not avoid the smell! They have quite a strong odor.
9. Apple cider vinegar capsules cannot be used for external applications as regular vinegar can. Vinegar is used topically on people and pets for a variety of conditions that include bug bites, splinters, sprained ankles, athlete's foot, eczema, and itchy skin.
10. If you have any side effects from apple cider vinegar capsules, you can not be sure the vinegar is the actual cause of side effects since the added ingredients or components of the capsules may be the cause of side effects.

How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules

The recommended dosage of apple cider vinegar capsules varies with different manufacturers. Usually it is recommended to take 1-2 capsules 1-3 times a day. Some manufacturers say that 1 capsule is worth 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Other capsules have two teaspoons worth of vinegar in one capsule. It may take some sleuthing to figure out the actual amount in a particular product.

 Capsules should be taken with meals to avoid digestive upset. Vinegar pills are quite concentrated. Taking one on an empty stomach or with only a bit of water may be quite disturbing to the stomach. 

As with any new remedy, it is best to start with the smallest dose and increase slowly. Always monitor your symptoms.

Do Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules Work as Well as Real Vinegar?

If you ask consumers, you will find many, many people who have used apple cider vinegar capsules successfully to treat a large array of health problems. They are used for acne, weight loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, heartburn, acid reflux, gout, energy, etc. Certainly it is worth a try, especially if taking regular vinegar is inconvenient or unpalatable to you. 

Have you tried apple cider vinegar capsules? Be sure to share your experience with us!

Additional Pages of Interest:

Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss