What Exactly Is Salty Liquorice?
Salty liquorice, known as 'salmiakki' in Finland or 'salmiak' in the Netherlands, is a type of liquorice flavored with ammonium chloride (sal ammoniac), not traditional table salt. This ingredient gives the confectionery an intense, sharp, and salty-tasting flavor profile that can be surprising to those unfamiliar with it. Beyond its unique taste, salty liquorice contains glycyrrhizin, the active compound also found in regular liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is this combination of active compounds that contributes to its characteristic taste and, in some cases, its potential health concerns.
The Problematic Compound: Glycyrrhizin
The primary health risks associated with liquorice, whether sweet or salty, come from the compound glycyrrhizin. This potent substance can mimic the effects of the hormone aldosterone in the body. Aldosterone plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the balance of sodium and potassium. Excessive intake of glycyrrhizin can lead to a condition known as 'pseudo-hyperaldosteronism' because it raises sodium levels while simultaneously causing the body to lose too much potassium.
This disruption of electrolyte balance is the root cause of many health complications. Symptoms can include fluid retention, swelling (edema), muscle weakness, and fatigue. More seriously, the imbalance can lead to elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia). In extreme cases, this can potentially cause congestive heart failure or cardiac arrest.
The Role of Ammonium Chloride
Ammonium chloride is the other active ingredient that gives salty liquorice its distinctive, sometimes biting, flavor. While a natural expectorant historically used in cough medicines, high doses can lead to its own set of problems. Excessive intake of ammonium chloride can potentially cause metabolic acidosis and disrupt the body's normal ion balance. It can lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and in very high concentrations, neurological issues. Studies suggest that humans evolved a taste mechanism to detect ammonium chloride, possibly as a way to avoid harmful substances.
Who Is At Risk?
While most healthy individuals can enjoy salty liquorice in moderation without adverse effects, some groups are at a higher risk of developing complications. These include:
- Individuals with pre-existing conditions: People with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems are particularly sensitive to the blood pressure-raising effects of glycyrrhizin and should avoid regular consumption.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: High liquorice consumption during pregnancy has been linked to concerning developmental issues in children, including lower IQ and behavioral problems like ADHD. The glycyrrhizin can expose the fetus to increased stress hormones. Health authorities often advise complete avoidance during pregnancy.
- The elderly: Older individuals may be more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances and the cardiovascular effects of glycyrrhizin.
- Those on certain medications: Liquorice can interact with various medications, including diuretics, blood pressure drugs, and blood thinners, reducing their effectiveness or increasing potassium loss.
Establishing Safe Limits: A Difficult Task
Defining a universally safe amount of salty liquorice is challenging because the concentration of glycyrrhizin varies widely between different products, and individual sensitivity differs. Some products contain much higher levels than others, and this information is not always clearly labelled. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union have suggested that up to 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day is likely safe for most people, but recent studies suggest even smaller amounts can affect blood pressure in young, healthy adults. The FDA advises against consuming more than 57g (about 2 ounces) of black liquorice a day for more than two weeks, particularly for those over 40. For those with risk factors, the safest approach is often to avoid it entirely.
Comparing Liquorice Types: Sweet vs. Salty
| Feature | Standard (Sweet) Liquorice | Salty Liquorice (Salmiakki) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Flavoring | Glycyrrhizin (natural sweetness) | Glycyrrhizin + Ammonium Chloride |
| Primary Taste | Sweet, often with anise oil | Salty, sharp, and astringent |
| Cardiovascular Risk | Present due to glycyrrhizin in high or chronic doses | Present, potentially amplified by dual salt effects |
| Electrolyte Effects | Possible hypokalemia and sodium retention | Possible hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis |
| Highest Risk Group | Individuals with heart disease or high BP | Same, plus potential for higher intake of active compounds |
| Noteworthy | May be made with anise oil instead of real liquorice | Extra-salty versions may have an additional salt coating |
What To Watch Out For
If you consume salty liquorice and experience any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional:
- Changes in blood pressure: Either a sudden rise or difficulty controlling existing hypertension.
- Unusual swelling: Swelling of the ankles or legs (edema).
- Muscle weakness: New or unexplained fatigue or muscle cramps.
- Heart palpitations: Irregular or abnormal heart rhythms.
- Headaches: Unexplained or frequent headaches.
A Note on Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL)
For those who enjoy the taste of liquorice but want to avoid the health risks associated with glycyrrhizin, deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) products are an option. The glycyrrhizin has been removed, eliminating the compound responsible for raising blood pressure and causing electrolyte disturbances. DGL is often used as a supplement for digestive issues like acid reflux without the systemic side effects. This provides a safer alternative for those who need to limit their glycyrrhizin intake but still want to enjoy a similar flavor. It is important to check the ingredients list to confirm the product is indeed DGL, especially for those in high-risk categories.
Conclusion: Caution and Moderation Are Key
The question, "is salty liquorice bad for you?" doesn't have a simple yes or no answer. For the average healthy person, a small amount on occasion is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, regular or excessive consumption, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, heart disease, or kidney problems, poses a genuine and documented health risk. The active compounds, glycyrrhizin and ammonium chloride, can cause significant and potentially life-threatening side effects by disrupting fluid and electrolyte balance. Furthermore, pregnant women and those on specific medications should be particularly cautious or avoid it altogether. The lack of standardized labelling for glycyrrhizin content makes it difficult for consumers to gauge their intake, underscoring the importance of moderation and awareness of personal health sensitivities. When in doubt, alternatives like DGL or consulting a doctor for personalized advice is the safest approach.
For more detailed information on glycyrrhizin and its effects, you can visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root.
