So what is fact and what is fiction? We asked Dr Wallace to help us sort it out – this is what she thinks.

Is apple cider vinegar good for you?

One of the most frequently associated health claims is to do with the ‘mother’ in apple cider vinegar. That’s the floaty bits you find in organic versions of the product, and is made up of yeast and bacteria. It’s therefore assumed to be a great probiotic which can support gut health.

It might not be that simple though, as the live bacteria may not survive during digestion, according to Dr Wallace. The European Food Safety Authority published a report on the substantiation of health claims about apple cider vinegar in powder form supporting digestive health and bowel function. It concluded that a cause and effect relationship was not established between the consumption of apple cider vinegar and improvement of bowel motor function.

What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar? A doctor debunks the myths