BMJ “Data Error”… Paper Retracted After a Year,
Broadcaster Park Na-rae drinking ‘apple cider vinegar (ACV)’ on MBC’s ‘I Live Alone’,
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, ‘The BMJ Group, a globally respected scientific journal publisher, has retracted a study claiming that apple cider vinegar (ACV) is effective for weight loss.’,
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, ‘When initially published, the study was regarded as “surprising” by the scientific community, but eventually faced retraction about a year later due to data errors and analytical issues, as reported on the 23rd (local time) by the Daily Mail and others.’,
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, ‘ MobileAdNew center ‘, ‘The study claimed that obese participants who consumed 15ml of ACV before breakfast daily lost up to 8kg of weight in just 3 months.’,
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, ‘However, scientists at the time pointed out that this study, which involved a small group of 120 participants, had serious flaws and did not substantiate any conclusions.’,
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, ‘The BMJ Group cited “multiple analytical errors” and “irregularities within the dataset” as reasons for the retraction. Conducted by scientists from Holy Spirit University in Lebanon, the study did not clarify the exact mechanism of ACV’s effect on weight loss but mentioned improvements in insulin sensitivity and energy levels in animal studies.’,
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, ‘As methodological flaws quickly surfaced, an internal investigation into the paper’s publication process was launched. The investigation concluded that the study’s methodology reporting was inadequate and included “implausible statistical values,” violating the BMJ Group’s editorial policies.’,
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, ‘ MobileAdNew center ‘, ‘Although statistical experts were consulted to evaluate the paper’s credibility, the BMJ Group stated in the retraction notice that the experts could not replicate the findings and confirmed “multiple analytical errors.” The study authors admitted their mistakes and agreed to the retraction decision.’,
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, ‘Helen McDonald, editor for publication ethics and content integrity at the BMJ Group, stated, “Currently, these study results cannot be trusted,” and added, “This retraction reflects our strategic and proactive approach to investigating concerns raised about the content we publish.”‘,
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, ‘She further stated, “Considering the importance of correcting the scientific record, necessary actions are taken,” noting that “the investigation is complex and the final decision may take months.”‘,
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Apple cider vinegar (ACV) reference photo. iClickArt,
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, ‘Martin Kohlmeier, editor of “BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health,” commented, “In hindsight, it was a wrong decision,” but explained, “We intended to prioritize high-quality evidence from relatively rare and challenging clinical trials in nutritional research.”‘,
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, ‘According to the retracted study, participants who were overweight or obese (BMI 27-34) were divided into four groups of 30. Three groups consumed 5ml, 10ml, and 15ml of ACV daily, while the remaining group took a placebo. Participants recorded their diets and exercise habits over 12 weeks.’,
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, ‘As a result, groups consuming ACV showed at least a 5kg weight loss and a 2.7-3 point reduction in BMI, while the placebo group lost only 0.3kg.’,
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, ‘However, Professor Helen Truby from the University of Queensland in Australia pointed out issues such as the possibility that participants were already losing weight before the study began, uncertainties due to self-reported diets and activity levels, and non-reporting of potential weight-loss drug usage.’,
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, ‘Professor Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez from the University of Navarra in Spain criticized the limitations of the statistical methods used in the study and the lack of information on changes in participants’ overall diet and calorie intake, urging careful consideration.’,
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, ‘ACV gained global popularity, reportedly used by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, and Jennifer Aniston for body management.’,
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, ‘In Korea, celebrities including Jeon Hyun-moo, Uhm Jung-hwa, Choi Hwa-jung, and Soyou are known for using ACV in diets. Broadcaster Park Na-rae also showcased consuming ACV on MBC’s “I Live Alone.” ‘