What is Cream of Tartar?
Known chemically as potassium bitartrate, cream of tartar is a fine, white acidic powder. It is a natural byproduct of the winemaking process, forming as crystals inside wine barrels as grape juice ferments. This substance is a staple in baking, but its high potassium content is what gives it potent, and potentially dangerous, digestive effects when misused.
Normal Culinary Use and Your Stomach
When used in typical baking applications, such as stabilizing egg whites for meringue or preventing sugar from crystallizing, cream of tartar is perfectly safe for the stomach. The quantities are so small that they have no measurable impact on your body's electrolyte balance or digestive function. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as 'generally recognized as safe' when used as intended in food.
The Digestive Effects of Excessive Consumption
Consuming large amounts of cream of tartar, often promoted as a 'cleanse,' can negatively impact the digestive system. The high potassium concentration can lead to several issues:
- Laxative Effect: Large doses can cause a laxative effect by drawing water into the colon, softening stools and increasing transit time. However, this is not a recommended method for treating constipation due to the significant risks.
- Abdominal Distress: Excessive intake may result in stomach pain, bloating, and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Nausea and Vomiting: The body might react to a high potassium load by inducing nausea and vomiting.
The Dangers of Hyperkalemia
The most serious risk of ingesting large amounts of cream of tartar is hyperkalemia, a dangerous elevation of potassium in the blood. This condition is life-threatening and can cause severe heart problems.
Who is at risk?
Certain individuals are particularly susceptible to the effects of excess potassium:
- Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function hinders the body's ability to filter excess potassium, leading to a dangerous accumulation.
- Heart Conditions: High potassium levels can disrupt heart rhythm, causing palpitations and potentially cardiac arrest.
- Type 1 Diabetes: This condition can sometimes affect potassium regulation, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia from a large dose.
- Certain Medications: Those taking potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors are also at increased risk.
Normal Culinary Use vs. Excessive Ingestion: A Comparison
| Feature | Normal Culinary Use | Excessive Ingestion (Misuse) |
|---|---|---|
| Amount Consumed | Small, measured quantities (e.g., 1/8 to 1 teaspoon) | Large, unmeasured doses (e.g., spoonfuls or more) |
| Primary Purpose | Stabilizing ingredient for baked goods | Misguided 'remedy' or 'cleanse' |
| Potassium Intake | Insignificant to overall daily intake | Dangerously high; can exceed daily recommendations several times over |
| Digestive Impact | Minimal to none | Gastrointestinal irritation, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea |
| Risk of Hyperkalemia | Safe for most individuals | High risk, potentially life-threatening |
Important Side Effects to Watch For
Excessive cream of tartar consumption can also lead to other adverse health effects, including dehydration, muscle weakness, confusion, changes in blood pressure, and mineral imbalances.
Conclusion: Caution is Key
The effect of cream of tartar on your stomach depends entirely on the amount consumed. While safe in culinary quantities, ingesting large amounts for unproven health benefits is highly risky and can result in severe and potentially fatal potassium overdose. Always consult a healthcare professional for health concerns instead of using unproven home remedies. Medical information clearly highlights the dangers of self-medicating with this substance. A case study on severe hyperkalemia is available in the Journal of Medical Toxicology.
Dispelling the Myths
Despite some online claims promoting cream of tartar for various health benefits like detoxification, these lack scientific support. Its main proven digestive effect in large amounts is a mild laxative effect, but the risks of overuse are substantial.
