What is Cream of Tartar?
Cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate, is a white, acidic powder that is a common ingredient in baking. It is a natural byproduct of the winemaking process, forming crystals on the inside of wine barrels during fermentation. These crystals are then collected, purified, and ground into the powder found in spice aisles.
Its primary culinary uses include stabilizing whipped egg whites for meringues, preventing sugar from crystallizing in candies, and acting as the acid component in baking powder when combined with baking soda. While it's generally considered safe for consumption in the small amounts typically used in recipes, this safety does not extend to drinking it in larger, concentrated doses.
Why You Should Not Drink Cream of Tartar
The fundamental danger of drinking cream of tartar comes from its incredibly high potassium content. The powder is approximately 20% potassium by weight, with just one teaspoon containing about 495 mg of potassium. This might seem beneficial, as potassium is an essential mineral for nerve and muscle function, but consuming too much too quickly is extremely dangerous.
Ingesting large quantities of cream of tartar, such as mixing several tablespoons into a glass of water for an unproven home remedy, can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a dangerously high level of potassium in the blood, which can have life-threatening consequences.
Symptoms of Hyperkalemia
When your body is overwhelmed with potassium, it can cause severe health problems. The symptoms of hyperkalemia include:
- Abdominal discomfort and nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Abnormal or irregular heart rhythm
- Chest pain
- Severe confusion or irritability
In the most severe cases, an extreme potassium overdose can lead to cardiac arrest and death.
Who is at Higher Risk?
While anyone can experience hyperkalemia from ingesting too much cream of tartar, some individuals face an even higher risk. This includes people with:
- Kidney disease, as their kidneys may not be able to effectively filter out excess potassium.
- Heart conditions.
- Type 1 diabetes.
- Liver disease.
- Individuals taking medications that can increase blood potassium levels, such as certain diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
The Myth vs. The Reality of Home Remedies
For years, various unsupported claims have circulated online, suggesting that drinking cream of tartar can cure everything from migraines to addiction. The evidence, however, is lacking. Here is what science says:
- Relieving Constipation: An older study found that a small daily dose might have a mild laxative effect. However, the risk of hyperkalemia makes this a dangerous and ill-advised remedy. Safer, proven alternatives exist.
- Quitting Smoking: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cream of tartar helps with smoking cessation.
- Migraine Relief: Despite online anecdotes, no evidence supports a link between cream of tartar and migraine relief.
- Skin Health/Acne: While cream of tartar is a source of tartaric acid (an AHA), there is no evidence to support its effectiveness for treating acne, especially not when ingested.
Culinary vs. Medicinal Use: A Critical Difference
The reason cream of tartar is safe in baking but dangerous to drink is a matter of concentration and dose. A baked good containing a quarter teaspoon of cream of tartar, dispersed throughout a whole batch, is a world away from ingesting a concentrated tablespoon or more in a liquid.
Comparison: Culinary Use vs. Ingesting as a Drink
| Feature | Culinary Use (Baking) | Ingesting as a Drink (Remedy) |
|---|---|---|
| Amount Consumed | Very small amounts, often less than 1/4 teaspoon, dispersed across many servings. | High dose, often tablespoons at once, concentrated in a single beverage. |
| Risk of Hyperkalemia | Extremely low due to the small, dispersed dose. | Extremely high due to the concentrated intake of potassium. |
| Purpose | To stabilize egg whites, prevent sugar crystallization, or leaven baked goods. | Based on unproven folk remedies or detox claims. |
| Safety Profile | Generally recognized as safe by the FDA when used as intended. | Highly unsafe; numerous medical case reports document severe adverse effects. |
What to Do in Case of Ingestion
If you or someone you know has ingested a large amount of cream of tartar, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact a poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room. Medical professionals can monitor for hyperkalemia and begin treatment to reduce blood potassium levels before life-threatening complications occur.
Conclusion: Stick to Baking, Not Drinking
In summary, is cream of tartar okay to drink? The answer is a definitive no. While the powder is a safe and useful ingredient in baking when used in small, appropriate amounts, drinking a concentrated solution of cream of tartar is incredibly dangerous. The high concentration of potassium poses a significant risk of hyperkalemia, which can lead to severe and potentially fatal heart rhythm problems. Instead of relying on unproven and risky home remedies, stick to enjoying cream of tartar for its culinary purposes and consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns. Learn more about the specific dangers documented in a clinical case report published by the National Institutes of Health.
