Acetic Acid (Vinegar) in Food Preservation: A Review of Its Biological Effects on Human Health and Disease

Mahnoor S, Alishba B, Nafeesa A and Maimona S

Published on: 2024-07-19

Abstract

Acetic Acid usually known as vinegar, has been employed for centuries as a wide spread food preservative and sauce. Beyond its versatility as a cooking ingredient and in food preparation Vinegar is highly recommended for its numerous health benefits. Venigar comprises antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In short it is microbiocidal. It has detoxifying and pain reducing properties. Vinegar is also involved in treating various diseases because of its healing properties. It is involved in weight management, blood sugar control, cardiovascular control, metabolic control and many more. This review article provides detailed over view of recent scientific evidences on biological effects of Acetic Acid on Human health and disease as well as the drawbacks and construction of its consumption. This review also emphasise the need for future research to illuminate the biological effects of venigar on human health and to define its vital role as key ingredient in human health and food preservation.

Keywords

Acetic acid, Vinegar, Biological effects, Human health, Healing properties

Introduction

Food Preservatives

Food preservatives are special ingredients added in the food to prevent food spoilage. Food spoilage occurs due to various factors (bacteria, virus, fungi, enzymes, air) and various environmental conditions. All preservatives must be safe easily dissolved not able to alter the taste of food. Food preservatives must have the ability to fight against the micro-organisms causing spoilage in the food. They must be cost effective and easy to use [1] one of the most notable advantage of natural preservative is inhibiting the spread of pathogenic micro-organism and potentially deadly disease like botulism. Botulism is serious and rare disease results from improper preservation of foods. Natural preservatives have emerged as seemingly superior and safer option compared to artificial preservative. These are derived from plants prevents the adverse effects as compared to artificial preservatives [2].

Acetic Acid

Acetic Acid is organic compound containing carboxylic group having the chemical formula CH3COOH.Acetic Acid is also known as ethanoic acid (systematic name) Acetic Acid has been recognized since the ancient time as the main constituent of vinegar. Acetic Acid in Vinegar is responsible for pungent aroma and tangy taste. Following are some of the chemical properties of Acetic Acid.

  • Acetic acid's carboxylic functional group Causes deprotonation, resulting in the loss of a hydrogen molecule.
  • The acidic properties of Acetic Acid depicted by equilibrium arise from the proton release.
  • Acetic Acid, a polar solvent with a liquid dielectric constant of 6.2, does not fully dissociate.
  • Exhibit the moderate ability to dissolve the ionic solvent [3].

Historical Background

Dating back to ancient civilization vinegar has a rich history with evidence of its existence that spanned thousands of years. Around 3000B.C Archaeological findings in Egyptian jars and Babylonians texts documenting its use from as far back as 5000 B.C. At ancient time vinegar was also known as poor man wine (posca) staple among the roman soldiers. On their conquest they carried with them. Vinegar is produced through the fermentation of tar liquid of diluted alcoholic beverages yielding the key ingredient Acetic Acid. Due to its versatility it is embraced by many cultures and can be produced by many liquids including malted barley rice and cider. As the name suggests that it was first derived from wine. The term vinegar originate from old French term vinaigre means sour wine reflecting its tangy taste [4].Vinegar is a liquid solution composed of water and acetic acid. Acetic acid is naturally occurring substance involved in the production of various products including domestic and culinary items. In United States minimum 4% Acetic Acid is required for the athentic vinegar production. Regular white vinegar is versatile ingredient use in cooking as well as in various house hold applications including cleaning, freshning and disinfecting. Vinegars like balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, apple side vinegar, and balsamic vinegar are popular for introducing new flavors to dishes.

Nutritional Facts

According to USDA 1 table spoon of vinegar containing following nutritional requirements 3.2g calories 0g fat 0.8 mg sodium, 0.1 g carbohydrates 0g fiber 0.1g sugars and 0g proteins. Although the serving size is small vinegar is consumed in large amount.9g found in the packet. There is no established glycemic index for vinegar having low carbohydrate content its effect on blood sugar level is essentially non-existent. Lipid vinegar is fat free. A single serving of plain white vinegar provide negligible amount of essential vitamins and minerals. No significant micronutrient benefit is provided by vinegar even consumed in large quantities [5].

Biological Effects of Acetic Acid

Gut Microbiome

Apple cider vinegar is rich in prebiotics and probiotics. It contain diverse community of beneficial micro-organisms that facilitate digestion. These beneficial micro-organisms play multiple roles in in body improve digestion as well as boost the body's defences. Acetic acid in apple cider vinegar accelerates the intestinal growth of beneficial microorganisms these beneficial micro-organisms treat sickness and autoimmune disease [6].

Blood Sugar

Apple cider vinegar, ginsam vinegar and many other types of vinegar have been shown to effectively reduce post digestion blood glucose levels and improve glucose sensitivity and enhance insulin production. Insulin serum concentration is elevated by nipa palm vinegar by stimulating its production in the beta cells and promoted beta cell differentiations [7]. The acetic acid in the vinegar decrease the pace of gastric emptying by delaying the release of consumed food into small intestine As a result of slow breakdown of carbohydrates more time become available to the body to absorb glucose from the blood thereby mitigating the characteristic postprandial surge in blood sugar levels [8]. The rate of glucose entry into the bloodstream and its subsequent utilization in the body determine postprandial blood sugar levels. The rate of gastric emptying, digestion, and absorption in the small intestine all have an impact on the glucose entry rate. Creature review have shown that natural acids delayed down gastric discharging by animating the duodenum or the receptors in the underlying 150 cm of the small digestive tract, because of their acidic properties [9]. According to real-time ultrasound imaging, 30 milliliters of apple vinegar reduced postprandial gastric emptying by 10% in patients with type 1 diabetes, which is consistent with earlier findings using acetaminophen as a marker cultured Caco-2 cells with a nutrient solution containing 5 mmol/L of organic acids to see how they affected postprandial glucose absorption [10]. They found that acetic acid significantly inhibited the activity of disaccharides (sucrase, maltase, lactase and trehalose), while other organic acids (lactic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, succ Ogawa et al [11]. (2000) found that the inhibitory effect of acetic acid on disaccharidase activity occurs during the posttranscriptional phase because further research revealed that acetic acid does not affect the de novo synthesis of disaccharidases at the gene transcription and translation levels. According to Johnston et al. (2010), this explains why drinking monosaccharide beverages causes an increase in blood glucose levels that is unaffected by vinegar consumption [12].

Lipids Levels

Research on effects of vinegar on blood lipids level has been conducted later and primarily focused on animal studies. Different creature studies have shown that drawn out utilization of explicit sorts of Acidic corrosive organic product vinegar (Moon and Cha 2008) grain vinegar brings down the absolute cholestrol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels with increasing levels of HDL cholestrol. Vinegar also controls lipid metabolism in mice those having type 2 diabetes and obesity. 30ml consumption of Apple cider vinegar twice a day significantly reduces cholestrol triglycerides and LDL cholestrol in patients with hyperlipidaemia with increase in HDL cholestrol proven by the human studies.One study has shown that the level of triglycerides in the obese individuals decreases by the consumption of 15ml apple cider vinegar daily. Although there are no reports on the effect of grain vinegar on human lipid metabolism. Previous animal studies have shown that prolonged grain vinegar consumption may have beneficial effects [12].

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties

Vinegar exhibit potential anti-bacterial fungal and viral properties making it effective treatment against yeast infection. Its Antimicrobial Properties have led to use in combating ear infections verrucae and onychomycosis. Vinegar is also used to manage various skin infections showing its diversity as a natural remedy. Vinegar has also been shown to be effective in getting rid of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is found in chronic wounds and in the immune compromised [9]. Polyphenols and plants compounds present in the vinegar possess anti-oxidant properties. Vinegar reduce oxidative stress in the cell inhibit cancer by inducing apoptosis (cell death) in tumour cells [10].

Anti-Inflammatory

Acute Inflammation play crucial role in immune function serving as a vital defense mechanism against illness and infection. However prolonged inflammation causes chronic diseases like cancer and Cardiovascular diseases. Acetic acid prevents disease and reduces inflammation. As per the review distributed in logical report overseeing acidic corrosive to mice for a considerable length of time brought about lessening of different irritation markers [11].

Potential Health Benefits: Weight Management

Long term consumption of vinegar may also influence weight loss. Studies using obese animal models show that prolonged consumption of Acetic acid (Kondo et al 2009a) fruit vinegar grain vinegars results in the loss of body weight, lipid content. cholestrol and triglycerides levels. Long term intake of fruit vinegar reduces body weight, cholestrol and triglycerides levels in people with the obesity and those people who are facing the problem of high blood pressure with obesity proven by the human studies. Animal studies show that prolonged intake of grain vinegar help obese people in reducing body weight [12].

Cardiovascular Health

More than half of all deaths are caused by cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause. Cardiovascular diseases are largely caused by smoking, cholesterol, high or low blood pressure, and inactivity. Many studies have shown that polyphenols rich foods are protective against Cardiovascular diseases because polyphenols have antioxidant properties that prevent the development of atherosclerosis which is a chronic and one of the leading cause of Cardiovascular disease The sub endothelial integrity of low density lipoprotein particles is the cause of cardiovascular disease. Natural antioxidants like polyphenols can reduce the amount of altered lipoprotein particles in the blood by being consumed. By lowering cholesterol reduces the risk of Cardiovascular diseases.0.3% Acetic Acid significantly reduces the serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels in rats those are consuming cholesterol rich food reported by the Fushimi and others. Acetic Acid cause vasodilation relax the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure Acetic acid also slows down the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, which is important for controlling blood pressure. Acetic Acid also inhibits sodium reabsorption in the kidneys resulting in the increase sodium excretion and lowers blood pressure. By controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking cardiovascular diseases can be treated.

Tumour Control

Kurosu a conventional Japanese rice vinegar, is a rich wellspring of phenolic intensifies that have been displayed to lessen the gamble of disease. It has been discovered that Kurosu vinegar has a higher antioxidant activity than wine vinegar and apple vinegar. Numerous human cancer cell lines, including those from the colon, lung, breast, bladder, and prostate, have been the subject of research into the effect that Kurosu vinegar has on the proliferation of these cells. All of the tested cell lines were found to be dose-dependently inhibited in growth by Kurosu vinegar. Kibizu, a sugarcane vinegar created in Japan, has likewise been found to areas of strength for have rummaging action, repressing the development of human disease cells. Additionally, consuming vinegar is linked to a lower risk of esophageal cancer. Besides, the exploration researched the development of unbiased medium-sized alpha-glycan during the creation of apple juice vinegar. Experimental mouse tumors have been shown to be resistant to this compound's antitumor activity. The outcomes showed that nonpartisan medium- sized alpha-glycan is basically shaped during acidic corrosive maturation, instead of alcoholic aging.

Diabetic Control

Diabetes is characterized by elevated glucose levels both when hungry and when eating. Due to the destruction of pancreatic cells in type 1 diabetes, there is insufficient insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia. Insulin is present in type 2 diabetes, but the tissues are unable to use it, resulting in an increase in blood glucose concentration. Vinegar treatment increased insulin sensitivity in 19% of people with type 2 diabetes and 34% of people with prediabetes. Ongoing creature and human examinations have demonstrated the way that vinegar can be utilized to treat diabetes. When rats were fed a dose of starch and a solution containing 2% acetic acid, their blood glucose levels decreased in comparison to those on a normal diet. This study looked into the effect of vinegar on blood sugar levels. In people, the region under the insulin reaction bend diminished by 20% in the wake of consuming sucrose co-directed with vinegar. The "antiglycemic" or glucose-lowering effect of vinegar has been confirmed in a large number of placebo-controlled studies. To better understand how vinegar affects glucose concentration, a number of systems have been studied. Vinegar's acetic acid prevents the digestion of whole carbohydrates by either increasing glucose uptake by tissues or increasing intestinal transit, resulting in lower blood glucose levels [13].

Mechanism

PH Effects

Research found that acetic acid effectively killed off a certain virus (FulV) at a pH level of 4, while citric and oxalic acids didn't have the same effect. However, when the pH level was lowered to 2, both acetic and citric acids showed potent virus- killing properties against SARS-CoV-2, while the acid oxalic did not. It is interesting to note that, while all three acids killed another virus (FVC) at pH 2, they did not kill it at pH 4. The pH level also had an effect on how well these weak acids killed viruses. Outstandingly, two kinds of vinegar (WDV and GV) altogether diminished the FulV infection count after only one moment, and furthermore showed infection killing impacts against SARS-CoV-2, despite the fact that it required 30 minutes to accomplish a similar impact. FCV, on the other hand, was not significantly inactivated by WDV or GV. In conclusion, even under identical pH conditions, weak acids' capacity to kill viruses varies, indicating that other factors besides pH levels influence their effectiveness. Moreover, certain types of vinegar, which primarily contain acetic acid, may be effective natural disinfectants against certain enveloped viruses, like FulV, in household settings [14].

Gene Expression

Have you ever wondered how our bodies regulate energy and metabolism? It's pretty fascinating! Certain receptors, in this process, GPR41 and GPR43 play a crucial role.GPR43, in particular, helps our bodies store and use fat for energy.

We've discovered that a natural compound called acetic acid, found in foods like vinegar and fruits, can actually improve our bodies' ability to process fat and reduce obesity. This can lead to better blood sugar control and overall health. But that's not all - acetic acid also activates a protein called AMPK, which helps our muscle cells regulate energy. We wanted to explore how acetic acid affects GPR43 in muscle cells, so we conducted a study.

What we found was really interesting - acetic acid increases GPR43 activity in muscle cells, which triggers a flow of calcium ions. This is important for muscle function and growth. However, when GPR43 is suppressed, this flow of calcium ions is blocked.

Acetic acid also activates genes that regulate muscle function and growth, but this activation is stopped when GPR43 is suppressed. This research highlights the potential benefits of acetic acid in promoting muscle health and function, which could be important for athletes, individuals with muscle disorders, and anyone looking to improve their overall health and fitness.

In short, acetic acid plays a vital role in activating GPR43, leading to the growth and development of slow-twitch muscle fibers. This is a natural and safe way to improve muscle health, and we're excited to continue exploring its potential benefits [15].

Potential Risks

Stomach Emptying

Drinking too much apple cider vinegar can be harmful, especially for people with diabetes. It can slow down digestion and absorption of nutrients, making it harder to manage blood sugar levels. In fact, a study found that drinking apple cider vinegar slowed down stomach emptying time, which can be a problem for people with gastroparesis, a condition that affects the stomach muscles.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Moreover, apple cider vinegar can irritate the stomach and cause heartburn, bloating, and nausea. While it may initially help with weight loss by reducing hunger, its long-term effects on satiety are unclear. Some people may experience queasiness, especially if they don't like the taste.

Pottassium Levels

Additionally, excessive apple cider vinegar consumption may result in bone issues and low potassium levels. A lady who drank a cup of apple juice vinegar every day for a very long time was hospitalized with potassium lack and osteopenia, a condition that makes bones fragile.

Tooth Erosion

Apple cider vinegar is also highly acidic and can damage teeth and throat tissue. It can strip away the protective layer on teeth, leading to cavities and other problems. And, if you accidentally swallow apple cider vinegar, it can cause serious throat burns.

Skin Burning

When it comes to skin, apple cider vinegar can be harsh and cause burns. There have been cases where people have used it to remove moles or treat infections, but it ended up causing more harm than good.

Drugs Interactions

Lastly, certain medications, including digoxin, diuretics, and diabetes medications, may interact with apple cider vinegar. Assuming you're taking any prescriptions, it's ideal to talk with your PCP or drug specialist prior to consuming apple juice vinegar. In conclusion, despite the fact that apple cider vinegar may have some positive effects on one's health, it is essential to consume it in moderation and be aware of the risks and interactions it may have [16].

Safe consumption of Veniger

Limited Intake

When incorporating apple cider vinegar into your daily routine, it's vital to exercise prudence and caution. Commence with a minimal quantity and gradually increase as your body adapts. To safeguard your oral health, combine it with water and sip slowly, allowing the liquid to flow gently over your teeth and gums. If you have a delicate stomach or gastrointestinal issues, it's advisable to proceed with extreme caution or abstain from consumption altogether. Additionally, remain vigilant for any indications of discomfort, distress, or adverse reactions, and immediately discontinue use if you experience any unfavourable effects.

By adhering to these simple guidelines, you can harness the benefits of apple cider vinegar while prioritizing your overall health and wellness. It's essential to be mindful of your body's response and adjust your consumption accordingly. If you're uncertain or have concerns, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and advice. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when introducing new foods or supplements into your diet. By doing so, you can ensure a harmonious balance between health and wellness [14].

Future Research and Directions

"Making vinegar is a tricky business. It involves combining different ingredients, using special starters, and controlling various factors to get the desired result. This review aims to sum up what we currently know about vinegar production, with a focus on a method called submerged cultures that's well-suited for large-scale production. We also take a closer look at the tiny microorganisms that make vinegar happen - acetic acid bacteria.

The problem is, there are many variables at play in vinegar production, and finding the right balance is a challenge for manufacturers. To make better vinegar, we need to focus on enhancing its taste, smell, and overall quality. We can do this by experimenting with new production methods, exploring new ingredients, and studying the tiny microorganisms that call vinegar home.

Recent advances in technology have made it possible to analyze these microorganisms quickly and efficiently without harming them or the final product. However, we still face some hurdles, like detecting rare microorganisms, dealing with background noise, and8 making sense of the data.

To overcome these challenges, we need to push the boundaries of technology and develop new tools to analyze and understand the data. This will enable us to create unique and delicious vinegars with distinct flavors and health benefits. We can achieve this by using improved starters, identifying key genes and proteins, and tracking the entire production process. This review aims to lay the groundwork for improving vinegar production and creating high-quality products that consumers will love [16].

Conclusion

We conclude from this review article that venigar (acetic acid) has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that have numerous health benefits. In short, it is microbiocidal. Acetic Acid is used in food preservation because of its anti-microbial properties. It inhibits the microbial growth in the sauces and pickles Acetic acid is produced by natural process known as aerobic fermentation and is used in food preparation and food production. Vinegar has various benefits and potential risks. It controls blood glucose levels, weight and digestive health and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Despite of its benefits it also exhibit potential risks such as tooth Erosion, skin burning and interaction with medication etc.

Be aware of its benefits and risks and adapt necessary precautions as we know that excess of anything is bad. Keeping in mind, a balanced approach should be maintained to harness its benefits and minimize the potential risks.

References