Who Should Avoid Eating Licorice? A Guide to the Risks

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming more than two ounces of black licorice daily for at least two weeks can lead to irregular heart rhythms in people over 40. This potent effect highlights why certain individuals need to be particularly careful about who should avoid eating licorice.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific health conditions, medication interactions, and demographics that make consuming licorice dangerous. It explains the effects of glycyrrhizin, differentiates between real and flavored products, and explores safer alternatives.

Key Points

Heart and Blood Pressure Concerns: Individuals with heart conditions or high blood pressure should avoid licorice due to its potential to cause fluid retention, potassium loss, and irregular heart rhythms.
Pregnancy Risks: Pregnant women should avoid licorice, as excessive consumption is linked to a higher risk of preterm birth and potential developmental issues for the child.
Kidney and Liver Health: Those with kidney or liver disease should abstain from licorice, as it can exacerbate their conditions and place undue stress on these organs.
Medication Interactions: Licorice can dangerously interact with medications for blood pressure, heart rhythm, and blood thinning, among others.
Glycyrrhizin is the culprit: The compound glycyrrhizin is responsible for the adverse effects, and consumers should check labels to distinguish between real licorice products and anise-flavored alternatives.
Safer Alternatives: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a safe alternative for those who enjoy the flavor without the health risks.

The Potent Compound: Glycyrrhizin

The root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin, a compound significantly sweeter than sugar, responsible for both the flavor and health risks. Glycyrrhizin mimics the hormone aldosterone, leading to pseudohyperaldosteronism. This causes sodium and water retention and potassium excretion, potentially leading to health complications.

Individuals with Heart and Blood Pressure Conditions

Those with heart or blood pressure issues should be cautious. Glycyrrhizin's effects can increase blood pressure and worsen conditions like congestive heart failure. Potassium depletion (hypokalemia) can cause abnormal heart rhythms and, rarely, cardiac arrest. Older adults are particularly sensitive.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Pregnant women should avoid licorice due to risks including premature delivery, interference with placental development, elevated maternal blood pressure, and potential adverse effects on child development. Glycyrrhizin can enter breast milk, so avoidance is recommended for breastfeeding mothers as well.

Those with Kidney or Liver Disease

For individuals with kidney disease, glycyrrhizin's disruption of electrolytes and blood pressure can worsen their condition and potentially lead to acute kidney damage. The liver processes glycyrrhizin, so those with liver conditions like chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis should avoid it.

Individuals Taking Certain Medications

Licorice can interact with various medications. Caution is needed for those on:

Diuretics: Can lead to dangerously low potassium.
Blood Thinners (e.g., Warfarin): May reduce effectiveness and increase clot risk.
Heart Medications (e.g., Digoxin): Low potassium increases digoxin sensitivity, making concurrent use risky.
Corticosteroids: Licorice may increase adverse effects by slowing metabolism.
Blood Pressure Medications: Licorice can counteract their effects.

Anyone with Low Potassium Levels

Glycyrrhizin depletes potassium. Individuals with existing low potassium (hypokalemia) should strictly avoid licorice as it can worsen their condition, causing symptoms like muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.

Anise vs. Real Licorice: A Crucial Distinction

It's important to distinguish between products with real licorice root extract and those flavored with anise oil. Many U.S. candies use anise and do not contain glycyrrhizin, posing less risk. Always read ingredient labels to identify real licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice): A Safer Alternative?

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products have had glycyrrhizin removed, offering a safer alternative for flavor or potential digestive benefits. This eliminates risks like potassium depletion and high blood pressure. Consult a healthcare provider before using any supplement.

Navigating Your Diet: A Cautionary Table


Condition/Group	Consumption Advice	Reason
Heart Disease	Avoid entirely	Can worsen congestive heart failure and cause irregular heartbeat via potassium depletion.
High Blood Pressure	Avoid entirely	Can cause a significant increase in blood pressure due to fluid retention.
Pregnant/Breastfeeding	Avoid entirely	Linked to risks of premature birth and fetal developmental issues.
Kidney/Liver Disease	Avoid entirely	Places extra strain on these organs and can worsen function.
On Certain Medications	Consult a doctor	Can cause dangerous interactions with diuretics, blood thinners, and heart medications.
Low Potassium Levels	Avoid entirely	Worsens hypokalemia, potentially causing severe muscle weakness or arrhythmia.
Healthy Adult (Moderate Use)	Generally safe	Small, occasional amounts are typically harmless, but moderation is key.
Children	Limit intake	High consumption has been linked to potential adverse effects on development.

Conclusion: When in Doubt, Consult a Professional

Licorice's active compound, glycyrrhizin, poses risks for individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or liver issues, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those on certain medications. Check labels for real licorice root extract and consider anise-flavored or DGL alternatives. Always consult a healthcare professional before consuming licorice, especially with existing health conditions. The FDA also provides warnings about black licorice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary substance is glycyrrhizin, a compound in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) that can cause the body to retain sodium and water while depleting potassium.

Yes, excessive consumption of real black licorice can cause heart problems, including high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia), and potentially congestive heart failure, especially in vulnerable individuals.

No, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming licorice. High intake is linked to a risk of premature delivery and potential negative effects on fetal development.

Licorice can interact with various medications, including diuretics, blood thinners like warfarin, heart medications like digoxin, and corticosteroids.

Real licorice products contain licorice root extract and therefore glycyrrhizin. Many candies, especially in the US, are flavored with anise oil, which does not contain glycyrrhizin and is therefore safer.

DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice. It is a form of licorice with the glycyrrhizin removed, making it a safer alternative for those who want the flavor without the associated health risks.

While sensitivity varies, the FDA warns that consuming more than two ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can cause heart problems, especially for those over 40.