Know When Not to Eat Black Licorice: A Guide to Health Risks

October 26, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming just two ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can cause an irregular heart rhythm in people over 40. This highlights the critical importance of understanding when not to eat black licorice, especially for those with certain health conditions.

Quick Summary

This guide explains key health risks associated with black licorice consumption, detailing how its component glycyrrhizin affects the body's potassium levels and blood pressure. Specific groups, including pregnant women and those on certain medications, should exercise caution or avoid it entirely.

Key Points

High Blood Pressure: Avoid black licorice if you have hypertension, as the glycyrrhizin can significantly raise your blood pressure.
Heart Conditions: Individuals with heart disease, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia should not consume black licorice due to its effect on potassium levels.
Drug Interactions: Licorice can interfere with medications for blood pressure, heart failure, and blood thinners, so consult your doctor if you're on medication.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid high consumption of black licorice, as it has been linked to potential adverse effects on fetal development.
Excessive Consumption: Even healthy adults over 40 should limit intake to avoid issues; the FDA warns that more than two ounces daily for two weeks can cause cardiac problems.
Potassium Imbalance: Glycyrrhizin depletes potassium levels, which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and muscle weakness, especially for those already low on potassium.
Kidney Disease: Fluid retention and mineral imbalance caused by licorice can place excess strain on compromised kidneys, worsening the condition.

The Hidden Dangers of Glycyrrhizin

Black licorice's distinctive flavor comes from glycyrrhizin in the licorice root. While small, occasional amounts are safe for most healthy people, excessive or regular consumption poses risks due to glycyrrhizin, which is much sweeter than sugar. This compound can disrupt electrolyte balance, leading to heart and kidney problems.

How Glycyrrhizin Disrupts the Body

When broken down, glycyrrhizin's component, glycyrrhetinic acid, inhibits an enzyme that regulates cortisol. This causes the kidneys to retain sodium and excrete potassium, mimicking excess aldosterone.

Who Should Avoid Black Licorice?

Certain individuals are more sensitive to glycyrrhizin and should avoid black licorice, including those with health conditions or on specific medications.

Health Conditions and Risks

Individuals with cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or hypokalemia should avoid black licorice. It is also advised to avoid if you have hormone-sensitive conditions like breast or uterine cancer due to licorice's estrogen-like effects.

Precautions During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Research suggests avoiding high licorice consumption during pregnancy due to potential links to cognitive issues in children. Caution is also advised during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions: A Serious Concern

Glycyrrhizin can interact with numerous medications. It can raise blood pressure, counteracting blood pressure medications, and combine with potassium-depleting diuretics to cause dangerous potassium levels. Licorice may increase side effects of digoxin and corticosteroids, and might reduce warfarin's effectiveness. It can also affect hormone levels. Consult a doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions.

Comparison Table: Real Black Licorice vs. Anise-Flavored Candy


Feature	Real Black Licorice (with Glycyrrhizin)	Anise-Flavored Licorice-Style Candy
Flavoring Source	Licorice root extract	Anise oil
Active Compound	Glycyrrhizin	None
Health Risks	High blood pressure, low potassium	Generally safer
FDA/WHO Warnings	Specific warnings exist	No specific warnings related to glycyrrhizin
Labeling	May list "licorice extract"	May list "anise oil"

Summary of Key Risks and Precautions

Glycyrrhizin accumulation drives black licorice risks. Those over 40, or with heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues, should be cautious. Consult a healthcare provider if on medication. Anise-flavored alternatives are safer.

Conclusion

While occasional black licorice is likely fine for healthy adults, avoidance is necessary for those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, kidney disease, pregnant women, and those on certain medications. Understanding when not to eat black licorice is vital for health. Anise oil alternatives offer a safer way to enjoy the flavor.

For more information on licorice root safety, consult {Link: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ingredient is glycyrrhizin, a compound found in licorice root extract that can cause serious health issues, particularly when consumed in large amounts or over time.

Individuals over 40, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems, and pregnant women are at the highest risk.

The FDA warns that for people over 40, eating two ounces (about 57 grams) daily for two weeks could trigger an irregular heart rhythm. Individual tolerance varies.

Yes, glycyrrhizin can interact dangerously with many medications, including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and blood thinners. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Excessive intake can lead to low potassium levels, high blood pressure, swelling, lethargy, and irregular heart rhythms due to the effects of glycyrrhizin on the body's electrolytes.

No. Many licorice-flavored candies, including some black varieties, use anise oil for flavor instead of real licorice root. Anise oil does not contain glycyrrhizin.

Yes, DGL is a safer alternative for those who wish to consume licorice extract because the glycyrrhizin has been removed, eliminating the associated health risks.