Is apple cider vinegar good for your liver and kidneys? Separating Fact from Fiction

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 30% of the world's population is affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, leading many to seek natural remedies like apple cider vinegar. The question of whether apple cider vinegar is good for your liver and kidneys is a common one, though the answer is more complex and nuanced than many believe.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the scientific evidence regarding apple cider vinegar's effects on liver and kidney health. It clarifies potential benefits, such as metabolic support, while highlighting risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those using excessive doses. It emphasizes that while not a miracle cure, moderate use is generally safe for healthy individuals, but medical advice is crucial for those with underlying issues.

Key Points

Limited Human Evidence: The majority of evidence supporting apple cider vinegar's benefits for liver and kidneys comes from animal or in-vitro studies, not large-scale human clinical trials.
Supports Metabolism, Not a 'Cure': ACV may indirectly support liver health by aiding blood sugar regulation and metabolism, but it does not 'detoxify' or 'cure' liver diseases.
Potential for Kidney Stone Prevention: Some studies suggest ACV may help prevent the recurrence of calcium oxalate kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate, a preventative measure for healthy individuals.
High Risk for Chronic Kidney Disease: Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should avoid ACV, as the high acidic load can worsen metabolic acidosis and cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
Moderation and Dilution are Critical: Excessive, undiluted intake can cause harm, including liver stress and erosion of tooth enamel.
Consult a Doctor: It is essential to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing liver or kidney conditions, are on medication, or are considering long-term use.

The Potential Benefits and Risks of ACV on the Liver

For decades, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been lauded as a natural panacea, but its effects on the liver are primarily explored through animal studies. Some of these studies offer promising, albeit preliminary, results regarding metabolic health and fat accumulation.

Promising animal research

Fat reduction in NAFLD: Animal studies on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) suggest that ACV may help reduce fat accumulation in the liver. Research involving rainbow trout with NAFLD, for instance, showed that low-concentration ACV reduced steatosis (fatty degeneration). Rodent models have also indicated reduced hepatic fat, improved insulin resistance, and better lipid profiles with ACV supplementation.
Antioxidant effects: The polyphenolic compounds in ACV, such as chlorogenic acid and gallic acid, exhibit antioxidant properties that could help protect liver tissue from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a factor in liver damage and disease, so neutralizing free radicals could be a supportive mechanism.
Support for metabolism: The acetic acid in ACV might influence metabolism and inhibit lipogenesis (the process of fat accumulation) in the liver. This indirect metabolic support could be beneficial for overall liver function.

The absence of definitive human data and notable risks

Despite positive animal findings, there is a distinct lack of large-scale human clinical trials to confirm these liver benefits. Furthermore, high-dose, long-term ACV consumption is not without risk. Recent case studies have documented rare instances of ACV-induced hepatotoxicity (liver damage) in individuals who consumed excessive amounts over years. These cases emphasize that while rare, overuse can stress the liver, and moderation is essential.

The Role of ACV for Kidney Health

Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and maintaining electrolyte balance, and the potential impact of ACV is a significant concern for many. The research, though limited in human trials, indicates a complex relationship.

Prevention of kidney stones

Impact on urine chemistry: A large-scale Chinese epidemiological study and a subsequent pilot clinical study found that daily vinegar consumption was associated with a higher urinary citrate level and a lower calcium excretion. Citrate is a known inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystal formation, which is the most common type of kidney stone. This suggests ACV could be a promising strategy for preventing the recurrence of certain kidney stones by beneficially altering urine composition.
In vitro evidence: Test-tube studies have shown that ACV can help dissolve calcium oxalate crystals in vitro, though this doesn't directly translate to dissolving stones within the human body.

Significant risks for kidney patients

For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), ACV poses significant risks. Healthy kidneys efficiently process the acid from ACV, but compromised kidneys struggle to remove excess acid. This can exacerbate a condition called metabolic acidosis, where the body's pH becomes too acidic. Excessive ACV intake can also lead to electrolyte imbalances, specifically low potassium levels, which is dangerous for kidney and heart health. Anyone with impaired kidney function must consult a nephrologist before considering ACV.

Comparison: ACV for Healthy Individuals vs. Individuals with Health Conditions


Feature	Healthy Individuals	Individuals with Health Conditions (Liver or CKD)
Potential Benefits	Possible metabolic support, blood sugar regulation, and kidney stone prevention based on some research.	Risks often outweigh potential benefits. Benefits are not confirmed in human studies, especially for treating pre-existing conditions.
Safety	Generally safe in moderate, diluted doses.	Caution is advised; potential for harm, including electrolyte imbalance and worsening of conditions.
Consumption Guidance	Stick to 1-2 tablespoons per day, always diluted.	Avoid unless explicitly cleared by a doctor, especially a specialist like a hepatologist or nephrologist.
Risks	Enamel erosion, digestive upset, electrolyte imbalance with overuse.	Higher risk of liver enzyme abnormalities or worsening kidney function, particularly with excessive doses.

Conclusion: A balanced perspective

When it comes to the liver and kidneys, apple cider vinegar is not a miracle cure or a substitute for medical treatment. For healthy individuals, moderate, diluted consumption may offer supportive metabolic and preventative benefits, but the scientific evidence is limited to mostly animal studies. The liver and kidneys are incredibly efficient at their natural detoxification processes, and they do not need ACV for a 'cleanse'.

The risks associated with excessive intake, particularly liver enzyme elevation and electrolyte imbalance, highlight the need for moderation. For individuals with pre-existing liver conditions like NAFLD or, most importantly, chronic kidney disease, the risks of acidity and potential strain on compromised organs far outweigh the unproven benefits. The most effective path to liver and kidney health remains a balanced diet, proper hydration, regular exercise, and, most critically, following professional medical advice. For further reading, see the NIH's information on dietary supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

In rare cases, long-term, high-dose, or undiluted consumption of apple cider vinegar has been linked to liver enzyme elevation and hepatotoxicity. Moderate intake is generally considered safe for healthy individuals, but those with existing liver conditions should be cautious.

Some animal studies show that apple cider vinegar may help reduce liver fat and improve metabolic markers related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, human research is limited, and ACV should not replace medical treatment.

There is no strong evidence to confirm that apple cider vinegar can dissolve existing kidney stones in humans. While some studies suggest it may help prevent new stone formation by altering urine chemistry, it is not a proven treatment.

No. Individuals with CKD should avoid apple cider vinegar. Compromised kidneys struggle to process the acidic load, which can worsen metabolic acidosis and create dangerous electrolyte imbalances.

For healthy individuals, a common and generally safe practice is to mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water and consume it once or twice per day. Higher doses are not recommended.

Excessive intake of ACV can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels. For people with kidney issues, the acid load can also put a strain on the organs. Undiluted consumption can damage tooth enamel and the esophagus.

Yes, apple cider vinegar can interact with certain medications, including diuretics, insulin, and some blood pressure drugs, which can affect potassium and blood sugar levels. Always consult a doctor before use, especially if you are on medication.