Apple cider vinegar (ACV) for babies above six months of age on solids can be safe in lesser quantities. You may choose diluted, pasteurized, and filtered ACV to avoid fungi or certain bacteria contamination. It is produced from fermented apple juice and is rich in bioactive compounds, micronutrients, enzymes, and acetic acid. ACV is used both internally and externally over the skin. However, you may use diluted ACV to avoid complications such as skin irritation, burn, tooth decay, and increased acid reflux. This vinegar is widely used for health and nutrition purposes. Read on to know the benefits and possible health risks of apple cider vinegar for newborns and how to use them safely.

Apple Cider Vinegar And Its Types

ACV is available in two major types – filtered and unfiltered, also referred to as organic ACV (1). The unfiltered ACV contains a mixture of yeast and acetobacter bacteria (2). The yeast and bacteria combination is called “mother,” and unfiltered ACV containers often mention the presence of it. Unfiltered ACV is not pasteurized, thus there is a significant population of live bacteria and yeast, which might not be suitable for all babies. Filtered ACV removes the “mother” and is often pasteurized. This type of ACV has a minimal quantity of live yeast and bacteria, but it might also lack the several nutrients present in unfiltered ACV.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe For Babies?

Apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe for use in babies when you observe the following guidelines.

  1. Choose filtered and pasteurized ACV over the unfiltered one. Organic or unfiltered ACV could contain mold and different strains of yeast (a type of fungus) and bacteria. A baby’s immune system might not be adept at handling several strains of fungi and bacteria.
  2. Diluted filtered ACV may be considered for both topical use and dietary consumption. You can also add ACV to baby food recipes to dilute it. An undiluted form of ACV may cause a burning sensation as ACV has a 5% acidity level (3). The general rule of dilution is to dilute two tablespoons (30ml) of ACV with 8oz (237ml) of water (4). You can begin with half or one tablespoon of ACV initially, and then increase it up to two tablespoons.

When Can You Introduce Apple Cider Vinegar To Babies?

Apple cider vinegar could be introduced to babies once they are at least six months old. Since ACV is not a standard food item, it is best to consult a pediatrician before introducing it to a baby.

Health Benefits Of ACV For Babies

In general, ACV contains acetic acid, pectin, multivitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, biotin, and vitamin C. It is also believed to have several bioactive compounds such as polyphenols that possess antioxidant activities. These nutritional elements are likely to result in the following benefits.

  1. Provide immunity: The use of apple cider vinegar to boost immunity has been recommended due to its antimicrobial properties that are attributed to acetic acid (5). Recent investigations demonstrate the antimicrobial properties of vinegar, mainly in the context of food preparations (6).
  2. Subdue acid reflux: Apple cider vinegar is often used as a home remedy for acid reflux in babies. However, its efficacy is not documented (7). You may use it by including it in foods rather than giving it as a home remedy or a supplement.
  3. Pain relief: Research suggests that apple cider vinegar could help reduce inflammation, especially those caused in the joints. Oral consumption could help provide relief from congenital joint problems (8). However, a few other research studies do not support its pain-relieving effect, especially via the external application (9).
  4. Relief from eczema: Some studies have shown that topical application of apple cider vinegar can possibly aid in treating eczema. Babies with eczema have elevated pH levels that disturb the skin barrier. The acidic nature of ACV can help restore the pH balance of the skin (10). However, you need to consult a dermatologist before trying such home remedies.
  5. Enhances mood: Anecdotal evidence states that the use of apple cider vinegar with honey can potentially enhance the mood, including those of fussy babies. This remedy is common in complementary medicine (11). Consult a doctor before using ACV orally.
  6. Fights candida infection: Recent research studies and clinical trials have shown the potential antifungal effects of apple cider vinegar (12).
  7. Cures dandruff: Traditional medicine has documented the effective use of apple cider vinegar in treating dandruff.  It can help tackle the excess bacteria and yeast-like fungus that often cause recurring dandruff (13). If you notice dandruff on your baby’s scalp, then consult a pediatrician or dermatologist before using ACV.
  8. Helps treat cold and cough: The use of cider vinegar in treating colds and coughs has been well-documented in traditional medicine. However, there are few scientific studies to prove the claim. It is important to know that most of the benefits associated with ACV are anecdotal. Thus, more research is warranted to make any specific recommendation, especially for babies.

Possible Side-Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Babies

Below are some possible side-effects of ACV, especially if used undiluted (14) (15).

  1. Tooth decay: Undiluted cider vinegar can possibly dilute the tooth enamel and damage the teeth.
  2. Mouth and throat burn: Oral consumption of undiluted cider vinegar can burn the mouth and throat, thus leading to sores.
  3. Skin burn: Undiluted cider vinegar can burn the skin if applied externally. Thus, use ACV for external applications only after diluting it well.
  4. Aggravated acid reflux: Excess consumption of diluted apple cider vinegar can cause aggravation of the symptoms. It can also lead to an upset stomach.
  5. Possible drug interaction: Apple cider vinegar could have interactions with medicines such as laxatives, diuretics, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease. If your baby is on certain medication, then introduce ACV only after consulting a doctor.
  6. Allergy: Apple cider vinegar allergy is rare. However, it is possible, especially when you use an unpasteurized variety. We strongly advise you against using unpasteurized ACV. Oral allergy syndrome or pollen food syndrome is likely to happen if your baby is allergic to apples (16). Cross-reactivity is also a possibility if your baby is allergic to birch pollen, strawberry, peach, plum, cherry, and apricot (17). Most side effects of ACV are associated with the undiluted form or with the unpasteurized version of the vinegar. Observing some good practices can help introduce ACV to a baby.

Tips To Introduce Apple Cider Vinegar To Babies

Keep the following tips in mind while introducing apple cider vinegar to infants.

References:

title: “Is Apple Cider Vinegar For Babies Safe " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-20” author: “Doris Fridman”

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) for babies above six months of age on solids can be safe in lesser quantities. You may choose diluted, pasteurized, and filtered ACV to avoid fungi or certain bacteria contamination. It is produced from fermented apple juice and is rich in bioactive compounds, micronutrients, enzymes, and acetic acid. ACV is used both internally and externally over the skin. However, you may use diluted ACV to avoid complications such as skin irritation, burn, tooth decay, and increased acid reflux. This vinegar is widely used for health and nutrition purposes. Read on to know the benefits and possible health risks of apple cider vinegar for newborns and how to use them safely.

Apple Cider Vinegar And Its Types

ACV is available in two major types – filtered and unfiltered, also referred to as organic ACV (1). The unfiltered ACV contains a mixture of yeast and acetobacter bacteria (2). The yeast and bacteria combination is called “mother,” and unfiltered ACV containers often mention the presence of it. Unfiltered ACV is not pasteurized, thus there is a significant population of live bacteria and yeast, which might not be suitable for all babies. Filtered ACV removes the “mother” and is often pasteurized. This type of ACV has a minimal quantity of live yeast and bacteria, but it might also lack the several nutrients present in unfiltered ACV.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe For Babies?

Apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe for use in babies when you observe the following guidelines.

  1. Choose filtered and pasteurized ACV over the unfiltered one. Organic or unfiltered ACV could contain mold and different strains of yeast (a type of fungus) and bacteria. A baby’s immune system might not be adept at handling several strains of fungi and bacteria.
  2. Diluted filtered ACV may be considered for both topical use and dietary consumption. You can also add ACV to baby food recipes to dilute it. An undiluted form of ACV may cause a burning sensation as ACV has a 5% acidity level (3). The general rule of dilution is to dilute two tablespoons (30ml) of ACV with 8oz (237ml) of water (4). You can begin with half or one tablespoon of ACV initially, and then increase it up to two tablespoons.

When Can You Introduce Apple Cider Vinegar To Babies?

Apple cider vinegar could be introduced to babies once they are at least six months old. Since ACV is not a standard food item, it is best to consult a pediatrician before introducing it to a baby.

Health Benefits Of ACV For Babies

In general, ACV contains acetic acid, pectin, multivitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, biotin, and vitamin C. It is also believed to have several bioactive compounds such as polyphenols that possess antioxidant activities. These nutritional elements are likely to result in the following benefits.

  1. Provide immunity: The use of apple cider vinegar to boost immunity has been recommended due to its antimicrobial properties that are attributed to acetic acid (5). Recent investigations demonstrate the antimicrobial properties of vinegar, mainly in the context of food preparations (6).
  2. Subdue acid reflux: Apple cider vinegar is often used as a home remedy for acid reflux in babies. However, its efficacy is not documented (7). You may use it by including it in foods rather than giving it as a home remedy or a supplement.
  3. Pain relief: Research suggests that apple cider vinegar could help reduce inflammation, especially those caused in the joints. Oral consumption could help provide relief from congenital joint problems (8). However, a few other research studies do not support its pain-relieving effect, especially via the external application (9).
  4. Relief from eczema: Some studies have shown that topical application of apple cider vinegar can possibly aid in treating eczema. Babies with eczema have elevated pH levels that disturb the skin barrier. The acidic nature of ACV can help restore the pH balance of the skin (10). However, you need to consult a dermatologist before trying such home remedies.
  5. Enhances mood: Anecdotal evidence states that the use of apple cider vinegar with honey can potentially enhance the mood, including those of fussy babies. This remedy is common in complementary medicine (11). Consult a doctor before using ACV orally.
  6. Fights candida infection: Recent research studies and clinical trials have shown the potential antifungal effects of apple cider vinegar (12).
  7. Cures dandruff: Traditional medicine has documented the effective use of apple cider vinegar in treating dandruff.  It can help tackle the excess bacteria and yeast-like fungus that often cause recurring dandruff (13). If you notice dandruff on your baby’s scalp, then consult a pediatrician or dermatologist before using ACV.
  8. Helps treat cold and cough: The use of cider vinegar in treating colds and coughs has been well-documented in traditional medicine. However, there are few scientific studies to prove the claim. It is important to know that most of the benefits associated with ACV are anecdotal. Thus, more research is warranted to make any specific recommendation, especially for babies.

Possible Side-Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Babies

Below are some possible side-effects of ACV, especially if used undiluted (14) (15).

  1. Tooth decay: Undiluted cider vinegar can possibly dilute the tooth enamel and damage the teeth.
  2. Mouth and throat burn: Oral consumption of undiluted cider vinegar can burn the mouth and throat, thus leading to sores.
  3. Skin burn: Undiluted cider vinegar can burn the skin if applied externally. Thus, use ACV for external applications only after diluting it well.
  4. Aggravated acid reflux: Excess consumption of diluted apple cider vinegar can cause aggravation of the symptoms. It can also lead to an upset stomach.
  5. Possible drug interaction: Apple cider vinegar could have interactions with medicines such as laxatives, diuretics, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease. If your baby is on certain medication, then introduce ACV only after consulting a doctor.
  6. Allergy: Apple cider vinegar allergy is rare. However, it is possible, especially when you use an unpasteurized variety. We strongly advise you against using unpasteurized ACV. Oral allergy syndrome or pollen food syndrome is likely to happen if your baby is allergic to apples (16). Cross-reactivity is also a possibility if your baby is allergic to birch pollen, strawberry, peach, plum, cherry, and apricot (17). Most side effects of ACV are associated with the undiluted form or with the unpasteurized version of the vinegar. Observing some good practices can help introduce ACV to a baby.

Tips To Introduce Apple Cider Vinegar To Babies

Keep the following tips in mind while introducing apple cider vinegar to infants.

References: