Liquorice Root Extract
Licorice root extract contains glycyrrhizin which can cause hypokalemia, hypertension, and pseudoaldosteronism with chronic or high consumption. The FDA has issued consumer warnings, particularly cautioning adults over 40 against eating large amounts of black licorice.
What it is
Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra root, containing glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhizic acid.
Flavoring agent in candies, beverages, and herbal products; sweetener (50x sucrose).
Why it's flagged
- hypokalemia (low potassium)
- hypertension with chronic intake
- interaction with cardiac and blood-pressure medications
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 L.) and licorice derivatives... are generally recognized as safe."
"The SCF concluded that a regular intake of approximately 100 mg/day glycyrrhizinic acid would not be expected to cause adverse effects in the majority of the adult population."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as flavoring (21 CFR 184.1408 - licorice and licorice derivatives); FDA consumer advisory issued.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA SCF concluded an upper intake of 100 mg/day glycyrrhizinic acid would not raise concern in most adults.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app