Metabolism of L(+)-and D(-)-tartaric acids in different animal species

L(+)-Tartaric acid, which is the naturally occurring form, is used as a food additive in a variety of foodstuffs. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in using synthetic (D,L)-tartaric acid as a substitute. Several toxicological studies have been published on L(+)-tartaric acid, but practically nothing concerning the racemic form. The metabolism of L(+)-tartaric acid has been investigated in a variety of species including man. Species differences have been noted in the ability to excrete the acid in the urine after oral administration. The decomposition of tartaric acid by the intestinal flora has been implicated as an important factor. (Underhill et al., 1931 a,b). In the present study the metabolic fate of L(+)- and D(-)-tartaric acids is compared in different species, in vivo after oral administration and in vitro after incubation with caecal extract.