When Should You Not Eat Liquorice?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming just two ounces of black liquorice daily for two weeks can cause an irregular heart rhythm. The seemingly harmless treat contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can pose serious health risks for certain individuals, raising the important question: When should you not eat liquorice?

Quick Summary

An exploration of the circumstances under which liquorice consumption can be dangerous due to its main active compound, glycyrrhizin, which can cause severe side effects like elevated blood pressure and low potassium levels. People with pre-existing heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues, as well as pregnant individuals, are most at risk and should avoid it entirely.

Key Points

• Hypertension Risk: Liquorice can significantly raise blood pressure and is dangerous for those with hypertension or heart conditions.

• Potassium Depletion: Glycyrrhizin can cause dangerously low potassium, leading to abnormal heart rhythms.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Avoid liquorice due to risks of premature delivery and potential fetal issues.

• Medication Interactions: Liquorice interacts with medications like Warfarin and diuretics.

• DGL is an Alternative: DGL is a safer option as glycyrrhizin is removed.

• Dosage Varies: Glycyrrhizin content differs; limit intake to around 100 mg per day for most adults.

• Concentrated Forms are Dangerous: Teas and supplements have higher glycyrrhizin concentrations.

Understanding the Risk: Glycyrrhizin

Liquorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which provides its sweet flavor but can be harmful in certain doses. Glycyrrhizin can lead to pseudo-hyperaldosteronism by inhibiting an enzyme that regulates cortisol, causing sodium and water retention and potassium excretion. While some 'liquorice' products use anise oil for flavor, real liquorice can have significant levels of glycyrrhizin.

Who Needs to Avoid Liquorice?

Certain individuals should avoid liquorice, particularly in concentrated forms found in teas and supplements. Those over 40 are at higher risk.

• Individuals with High Blood Pressure: Liquorice can increase blood pressure and interfere with medication due to sodium and water retention.
• Those with Heart and Kidney Conditions: Potassium depletion caused by glycyrrhizin can lead to dangerous heart rhythms and heart failure, worsening pre-existing conditions.
• Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: High liquorice intake during pregnancy has been linked to premature delivery and potential cognitive issues in children. Avoiding liquorice root is recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• People Taking Certain Medications: Liquorice can interact with corticosteroids, blood thinners like Warfarin, and diuretics, increasing health risks.

Comparison: Glycyrrhizin vs. Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL)

Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL) is a safer option as the harmful glycyrrhizin is removed.

Feature	Glycyrrhizin-Containing Liquorice	Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL)
Active Compound	Glycyrrhizin	Minimal to no glycyrrhizin
Effect on Blood Pressure	Can increase blood pressure	No significant effect on blood pressure
Effect on Potassium	Can cause dangerous potassium depletion	No effect on potassium levels
Safety for Pregnancy	Unsafe	Considered safer, but still consult a doctor
Common Forms	Candies, herbal teas, root supplements	Capsules, tablets, or chewable supplements
Primary Uses	Flavoring, traditional herbal remedies	Support for stomach and gastrointestinal health

How Much is Too Much?

The glycyrrhizin content varies, making it hard to determine safe amounts.

• General Guideline: The WHO suggests healthy adults limit glycyrrhizin intake to 100 mg per day.
• Specific Warnings: The FDA warns that two ounces of black liquorice daily for two weeks can cause heart rhythm issues in those over 40.
• Concentrated Forms: Teas and supplements have higher concentrations and pose a greater risk in smaller quantities.

Reading labels and checking for warnings is crucial. If you have health conditions or take medication, it's best to avoid liquorice or discuss DGL with a doctor.

Conclusion

While moderate liquorice is generally safe for healthy adults, excessive intake is risky, especially for those with health issues. Glycyrrhizin affects blood pressure and potassium. Individuals with hypertension, heart or kidney disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those on specific medications should avoid it. Others should consume it cautiously. Always check labels and consult a doctor with concerns.

For more information on health conditions and medication interactions, consult resources like WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can black liquorice cause heart problems?

Yes, excessive black liquorice can cause low potassium and abnormal heart rhythms, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.

Who is most sensitive to the effects of liquorice?

Those with heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, and individuals over 40 are most sensitive.

What is the difference between liquorice and DGL?

Standard liquorice contains glycyrrhizin, while DGL has it removed, making it safer.

Why should pregnant women avoid liquorice?

Pregnant women should avoid large amounts due to links with premature delivery and potential fetal issues.

Does liquorice affect blood pressure medication?

Yes, it can interfere with medication by causing sodium and water retention.

How much liquorice is considered excessive?

For those over 40, two ounces daily for two weeks can cause heart rhythm problems. The WHO suggests limiting glycyrrhizin to 100 mg per day for healthy adults.

Can I eat liquorice if I take diuretics?

No, combining liquorice with diuretics can cause dangerously low potassium.

What if my 'liquorice' candy is not black?

Many non-black 'liquorice' candies use anise oil for flavor and contain no real liquorice or glycyrrhizin. Check the ingredients.