Apple

Also known as: Malus domestica, apple extract, apple cider vinegar, apple peel extract, ursolic acid, apple polyphenols

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Whole fruit and extracts with limited clinical evidence; apple oil may help skin tone, ACV shows no kidney stone benefit.

What it does

Apple is a common fruit whose extracts appear in supplements in several forms, including apple cider vinegar (ACV), apple peel extract, and ursolic acid derived from apple peel. One small clinical...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose
Found in

Poppi Cherry Limeade, 310 Lemonade - Peach Pear, Garden of Life Vitamin Code Men's Multi and 17 more

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Apple is a common fruit whose extracts appear in supplements in several forms, including apple cider vinegar (ACV), apple peel extract, and ursolic acid derived from apple peel. One small clinical trial found that a topical apple oil extract (Annurca Apple Oleolite) reduced skin dark spots and improved brightness after 28 days of use. A separate crossover trial tested ACV as a supplement for kidney stone prevention and found it did not meaningfully change urine chemistry markers linked to stone formation.

What It Doesn't Do

Apple cider vinegar does not prevent kidney stones — a clinical trial showed no significant effect on urine chemistry. No provided studies support apple supplements for weight loss, blood sugar control, gut health, or detox. Apple juice used as a placebo vehicle in drug studies is not evidence that apple has medicinal effects. Marketing claims about 'cleansing' or 'metabolism boosting' are not backed by the research here.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Topical apple oil extract reduced dark spots and improved skin brightness in a 28-day clinical trial.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 2.5% apple oil extract applied topically

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41387498

Apple cider vinegar does NOT improve urine markers linked to kidney stone prevention.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: Daily oral dose for 1 week

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41351751

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies. Topical apple oil extract was tested on skin; oral ACV absorption was not characterized.

Red Flags to Watch For

Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel or irritate the esophagus if consumed undiluted
Most apple supplement health claims (weight loss, detox, blood sugar) are not supported by the clinical studies provided here
Topical apple oil extract was only tested in a small trial of 42 people for 28 days — long-term safety is unknown
Apple juice and apple flavoring used as placebo vehicles in drug trials are sometimes misrepresented as evidence of apple's own benefits

Products Containing Apple

See how Apple is used in these analyzed products:

Poppi Cherry Limeade

Supplement

Mostly Legit

310 Lemonade - Peach Pear

Supplement

Mostly Legit

Supplement

Overhyped

BPI Sports CLA + Carnitine

Supplement

Overhyped

View all product reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple do?

Whole fruit and extracts with limited clinical evidence; apple oil may help skin tone, ACV shows no kidney stone benefit.

What is the effective dose of Apple?

No established dose

Is Apple safe?

Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel or irritate the esophagus if consumed undiluted

What doesn't Apple do?

Apple cider vinegar does not prevent kidney stones — a clinical trial showed no significant effect on urine chemistry.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25