Liquorice Extract
Licorice extract contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause hypertension, hypokalemia, and arrhythmias when consumed in large amounts due to inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. FDA issued consumer warnings about black licorice.
What it is
An extract from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, containing glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), used as a sweetener and flavoring.
Flavoring and natural sweetener (~50x sweeter than sucrose), used in confections, teas, and tobacco.
Why it's flagged
- hypertension
- hypokalemia
- cardiac arrhythmia
- drug interactions
What regulators actually say
"If you're 40 or older, eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could land you in the hospital with an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia."
"Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is generally recognized as safe as a flavoring substance."
"An upper limit for regular daily intake of 100 mg glycyrrhizinic acid would result in only minor adverse effects in the majority of healthy adults."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as flavoring (21 CFR 184.1408); FDA issued consumer warnings about excessive consumption
European Union — EFSA
EFSA opinion recommends upper intake limit of 100 mg glycyrrhizinic acid/day
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