Acetic acid content in foods athletes use for muscle cramps
What it found
In lab tests, yellow mustard, sweet relish, pickle juices and pickle juice products contained moderate amounts of acetic acid.
The authors say yellow mustard, PJ Shot and pickle juices are the most practical sources for athletes.
What they found
Acetic acid in foods
Yellow mustard, sweet relish, all pickle juices and the pickle juice products had moderate amounts of acetic acid.
Practical sources
Based on earlier studies of cramp relief and serving size, yellow mustard, PJ Shot and all pickle juices were the most practical and palatable sources of acetic acid.
What the authors conclude
“Based on established studies resulting in EAMC relief, acetic acid consumption, and the appropriate serving size, the yellow mustard, PJ Shot, and all pickle juices would be the most practical and palatable sources of acetic acid for strength and conditioning professionals to recommend that athletes consume for the possible prevention or alleviation of muscle cramps.”
Also in their conclusions
- They conclude that yellow mustard, PJ Shot, and all pickle juices would be the most practical and palatable sources of acetic acid for strength and conditioning professionals to recommend that athletes consume for the possible prevention or alleviation of muscle cramps.
How it was done
Athletes often consume food and sports products to help with exercise-associated muscle cramps. Acetic acid has been suggested to play a role in reducing cramps.
The researchers measured acetic acid in dill and sweet pickle juices, yellow mustard, sweet relish, apple cider vinegar, Hot Shot, PJ Shot, PJ Sport, E-Lyte Sport, Powerade, Gatorade, Smartwater, and Propel with electrolytes. They used pH and enzymatic assay or spectroscopic analyses.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This study only measured acetic acid levels in the products. It did not test whether these products prevent or relieve muscle cramps in athletes.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Methodist University, North Carolina
The paper
- Title
- Quantitative Analysis of the Acetic Acid Content in Substances Used by Athletes for the Possible Prevention and Alleviation of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps
- Type
- Study
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Hooper Marosek SE, Antharam V, Dowlatshahi K (2020). Quantitative Analysis of the Acetic Acid Content in Substances Used by Athletes for the Possible Prevention and Alleviation of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps. Journal of strength and conditioning research. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003595PubMed 32459412DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error