3 Amazing Benefits And 2 Side Effects Of Tartaric Acid

Acids in food might seem scary to sound! But, there are many health-benefiting acids naturally found in various fruits and vegetables! Just like citric acid in lemons and oranges, tartaric acid benefits us in several ways as well! Commonly found in grapes, apricots, and apples along with malic acid, tartaric acid helps alleviate key health concerns and boosts your overall immunity too! Read on to learn more about the benefits and usage of this naturally edible acid!

Know Your Ingredient: Tartaric Acid

What Is It?
A type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) commonly found in fruits and vegetables.

What Are Its Benefits?
It aids digestion, boosts immunity, and improves glucose intolerance.

Who Can Use It?
All except people experiencing gastrointestinal infections.

How Often?
You can consume 30 mg per day.

Caution
It may trigger negative effects, such as nausea and abdominal pain in some individuals.

What Is Tartaric Acid?

Just like the name suggests, tartaric acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally. It is also a dihydroxyl derivative of succinic acid. When brought to room temperature, it changes to a solid substance that is white and crystalline. The stereochemistry of tartaric acid shows that it has a pair of enantiomers and two chiral centers. The natural form of tartaric acid is L-(+)-tartaric and it is most commonly found enantiomer is D-(-)-tartaric. Tartaric acid is found mostly in foods such as grapes, apricots, apples, avocados as well as sunflower seeds in very high concentrations (1). Sometimes tartaric acid is also found in sour tamarind that grows in countries such as Africa and other tropical and warm parts of the world.

Tartaric Acid History

Tartaric acid is commonly found in grapes and apricots, but that was discovered quite later. Initially, it was extracted in Nigeria and Sudan and has been used as a food ingredient. Tartaric acid was also used in ancient Spanish cuisine and has been used in several Mexican dishes that use a whole range of dishes. Mexican culture is so fond of this acid that today it has become its largest producer and consumer (2). Countries such as Spain and Portugal have also used this in their cuisine since the 16th century.

Did You Know?

Although wine makers have been aware of the presence of tartaric acid for centuries, it was Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele who, in 1769, first developed the chemical process for extracting it.

Benefits Of Tartaric Acid

1. Boosts Immunity:

Tartaric acid may help the immune system. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim. While tartaric acid is not known to have a direct effect on the immune system, consuming foods and beverages that contain tartaric acid, such as certain fruits and wines, can be part of a healthy diet that supports immune function.

2. Excellent Digestive Aid:

Another health benefit of tartaric acid is that it aids digestion and fights flatulence (3). It improves intestinal absorption as well which will increase the rate at which healthy nutrients flow into your bloodstream.

3. Improves Glucose Intolerance:

One of the most surprising benefits of tartaric acid is that it significantly improves glucose intolerance. According to an animal study, tartaric acid was able to improve glucose tolerance in mice by enhancing the activity of certain enzymes involved in glucose metabolism (4).

Trivia

Concentrations of tartaric acid are higher in organically-grown citrus fruits as compared to those grown using regular farming practices (5).

Tartaric Acid Side Effects

Did you know tartaric acid comes with several side effects as well? Yes. You should be careful with your intake or you might end up with one of the following side effects.

1. Digestive Problems:

Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to tartaric acid and may experience digestive problems or other adverse reactions after consuming it. In these cases, it is best to stop intake and seek medical advice.

2. Overeating:

Another problem could be overeating. Anecdotal data suggests that anyone who has consumed a lot of tartaric acid might begin to overeat.

Tartaric Acid Uses

There are several uses of tartaric acid. It acts as a natural preservative that is often used to prepare jams or certain kinds of fruit drinks (6). Different candies may also use this. Often, manufacturing companies and several brands like to use tartaric acid while preparing creams and other lotions. As mentioned above, tartaric acid has often been used in Mexican cuisine along with baking soda.

Infographic: Benefits And Side Effects Of Tartaric Acid

Tartaric acid is a powerful antioxidant that boosts overall immunity and alleviates key health concerns, such as indigestion and flatulence. It is commonly found in grapes, apricots, and apples. Read the infographic to know the benefits and side effects of tartaric acid.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can tartaric acid remove dark spots?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that tartaric acid, just like other AHAs, helps remove dark spots. In addition, it helps exfoliate skin and treat acne scars.

What is the pH of tartaric acid?

Tartaric acid has a pH of 3.

What’s the difference between citric acid and tartaric acid?

Tartaric naturally occurs in grapes and is available as a white powder, while citric acid is found in citrus fruits and as a solid crystalline compound.

What can I use instead of tartaric acid?

Fumaric acid and cream of tartar, also called potassium bitartrate, which develops after fermentation, are the best alternatives for tartaric acid.

Does turmeric have tartaric acid?

Turmeric does not contain tartaric acid.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Gabrielle KaneMS, RDN, CSP, LD

   

Gabby is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 11 years of experience. She is also the founder of Peak Performance Nutrition LLC in Houston, Texas. She coaches both adults and children to their peak health using the power of sustainable lifestyle change. In addition to a BA in Nutrition and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University, she also has a Master's...more

Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her. She finds purpose in creating authentic and useful content that can impact people's health in better ways. In...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused. Moksha graduated from Mumbai University and was a key...more