Liquorice
Also known as: licorice
Black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which inhibits 11-beta-HSD2 and can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism: hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, and arrhythmia. The FDA warns adults over 40 that as little as 2 oz/day for 2 weeks can cause arrhythmia; EFSA recommends not exceeding 100 mg glycyrrhizic acid/day.
What it is
Root extract from Glycyrrhiza glabra; contains glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhizic acid.
Flavor (sweet/anise-like); confection ingredient.
Why it's flagged
- Glycyrrhizin causes hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, and arrhythmia (pseudohyperaldosteronism)
- FDA warns >2 oz/day for 2 weeks can cause arrhythmia in adults over 40
- Drug interactions (digoxin, diuretics, antihypertensives)
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."
"An upper limit of 100 mg/day glycyrrhizic acid would not give rise to adverse effects in the majority of the adult population."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Licorice and ammoniated glycyrrhizin GRAS for stated uses (21 CFR 184.1408); FDA consumer warning issued.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA AFC Panel (2003) advised intake of glycyrrhizic acid not exceed 100 mg/day.
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