Is Apple Cider Vinegar a Probiotic?

Apple cider vinegar is not a probiotic, but it is made with an ingredient that is helpful to probiotics, according to research done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. The key ingredient in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is fermented apples, which contain pectin -- an essential for good digestion. The vinegar is often confused with probiotics because the pectin in the apples promotes healthy digestion by encouraging the growth of good bacteria, whereas probiotics are the good bacteria.

Clearing the Path for Probiotics

Pectin is a natural prebiotic carbohydrate that is responsible for slowing nutrient absorption by binding to products in your digestive tract that your body can't use. These are waste products such as cholesterol, harmful bacteria and even toxins and pathogens. After the pectin in the apple cider vinegar binds to the "waste product," it carries the waste from your body by way of elimination -- your regular bowel movements -- leaving the probiotics in your system to grow and continue to protect your gut. The result is a symbiotic relationship that is a powerhouse for your body's digestive system.