A respected science publication has retracted a sensational study that suggested apple cider vinegar could aid weight loss.

The study – published in in the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health in March last year – claimed that drinking apple cider vinegar could help people lose weight at dramatic rates.

It sparked widespread media attention and drew a large following on social media.

However, after an investigation, the journal’s publisher, BMJ Group, found the study’s results could not be substantiated.

The original study – from Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon – described a clinical trial involving 120 overweight and obese people aged between 12 and 25 who consumed small amounts of apple cider vinegar in water each day for three months.

While its claims received widespread attention when it was published, it also drew critical scrutiny from academics.

Researchers flagged several concerns with the study in letters to the journal, such as the clinical trial not being publicly registered, and problems with the statistical analyses.

The New Daily also questioned the claims in an article shortly after the study was published.

Professor Helen Truby, professorial research fellow in nutrition and dietetics at The University of Queensland, was quoted as saying there were some substantial problems in with the study “which would make the conclusions drawn questionable”.

After these and similar concerns were raised, the study was reviewed by BMJ Group’s content integrity team.

The study was then referred to statistical experts to evaluate its reliability – including attempts to replicate the results and examine the authenticity of the underlying data supplied by the authors.

The statisticians were unable to replicate the results and multiple analytical errors were identified. There were also irregularities in the data set.

The study’s authors said that the identified errors were honest mistakes, but they agreed with the decision to retract the study.

Evangeline Mantzioris, a nutrition researcher at the University of South Australia, told the ABC there were “limited health benefits” to apple cider vinegar.

“We know that it’s no different to other vinegars,” she said.

“I’d rather have a balsamic vinegar on my salad, or a red wine vinegar. But that’s just me.”

Katrina Kissock, a nutrition researcher at the George Institute for Global Health, said a few small studies had linked apple cider vinegar and weight loss, but there was not enough evidence to draw long-term conclusions about its merit.

BMJ Group publication ethics and content integrity editor Helen Macdonald said journalists and others should no longer reference or use the results of the study in any future reporting.

“This retraction reflects our strategic and proactive approach to investigating concerns raised about the content we publish. We act where necessary in the interests of openness and the importance of correcting the scientific record,” she said.

Belle Gibson famously said she used apple cider vinegar for her health. Photo: Nine Network

The study is not the first time apple cider vinegar has been linked to questionable health benefits.

Australian fraudster Belle Gibson famously claimed she drank apple cider vinegar to rid herself of a tapeworm from her mouth.

The anecdote inspired the title of the Netflix series based on her rise and fall.