Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- Oesophageal erosion and dental enamel damage with undiluted use
- Take with food and plenty of water
- May interact with diuretics and insulin
- Concentrated forms can cause chemical burns to mucous membranes
Contraindications
- Oesophageal erosion and dental enamel damage with undiluted use
- Take with food and plenty of water
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Acetic acid is the active component of vinegar. Used in supplements as an acidulant and in apple cider vinegar products. At food-safe concentrations it is well tolerated. High concentrations cause oesophageal damage — undiluted vinegar or very high-dose acetic acid supplements have caused oesophageal erosions and dental enamel erosion. Always dilute ACV supplements.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Acetic acid (CH3COOH)
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 8 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Excipient
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Oesophageal erosion and dental enamel damage with undiluted use
- Take with food and plenty of water
- May interact with diuretics and insulin
- Concentrated forms can cause chemical burns to mucous membranes
The available scientific evidence for Acetic Acid indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 8/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 4/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 8 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 8 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 25 მარ 2026, 12:43
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWWeissella koreensis and Pediococcus pentosaceus bacterial ghosts induce inflammatory responses as immunostimulants. ↗Lee J et al.. Weissella koreensis and Pediococcus pentosaceus bacterial ghosts induce inflammatory responses as immunostimulants.. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2023. PMID:37597299.PMID 37597299 ↗Journal Biochem Biophys Res CommunYear 2023Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37597299/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWBio inspired general artificial muscle using hybrid of mixed electrolysis and fluids chemical reaction (HEFR). ↗Zakeri R et al.. Bio inspired general artificial muscle using hybrid of mixed electrolysis and fluids chemical reaction (HEFR).. Sci Rep. 2022. PMID:35256708.PMID 35256708 ↗Journal Sci RepYear 2022Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35256708/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWDeformable airfoil using hybrid of mixed integration electrolysis and fluids chemical reaction (HEFR) artificial muscle technique. ↗Zakeri R et al.. Deformable airfoil using hybrid of mixed integration electrolysis and fluids chemical reaction (HEFR) artificial muscle technique.. Sci Rep. 2021. PMID:33750867.PMID 33750867 ↗Journal Sci RepYear 2021Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33750867/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPotential, quality and quantity assessment of sesame plant residue in dry land vertisols of Tigrai, Ethiopia; Approach for sustainability of dry-land farming. ↗Desta Y et al.. Potential, quality and quantity assessment of sesame plant residue in dry land vertisols of Tigrai, Ethiopia; Approach for sustainability of dry-land farming.. Heliyon. 2020. PMID:33102857.PMID 33102857 ↗Journal HeliyonYear 2020Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33102857/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWLong-term effects of citric acid-based bicarbonate haemodialysis on patient outcomes: a survival propensity score-matched study in western France. ↗Potier J et al.. Long-term effects of citric acid-based bicarbonate haemodialysis on patient outcomes: a survival propensity score-matched study in western France.. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2020. PMID:31953942.PMID 31953942 ↗Journal Nephrol Dial TransplantYear 2020Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31953942/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffect of amino group protonation on the carboxyl group in aqueous glycine observed by O 1s X-ray emission spectroscopy. ↗Horikawa Y et al.. Effect of amino group protonation on the carboxyl group in aqueous glycine observed by O 1s X-ray emission spectroscopy.. Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2018. PMID:30039134.PMID 30039134 ↗Journal Phys Chem Chem PhysYear 2018Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30039134/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWOptimizing the electrical conductivity of marinade solution for water-holding capacity of broiler breast meat. ↗Kaewthong P et al.. Optimizing the electrical conductivity of marinade solution for water-holding capacity of broiler breast meat.. Poult Sci. 2018. PMID:29140471.PMID 29140471 ↗Journal Poult SciYear 2018Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29140471/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWChemoattractant activity of tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane for Brugia pahangi infective third-stage larvae. ↗Mitsui Y et al.. Chemoattractant activity of tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane for Brugia pahangi infective third-stage larvae.. J Helminthol. 2018. PMID:28735573.PMID 28735573 ↗Journal J HelmintholYear 2018Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28735573/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Acetic Acid. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Acetic Acid
A score of 2.0 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.