Be forewarned – black licorice may cause serious harm

There are two types of people in the world – those you love black licorice and those who don’t.  For all the black licorice lovers out there, be careful.  Going overboard on indulging on your candy craving for this treat can backfire on you.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is giving forewarning about a recent report which has described adverse reactions linked to black licorice consumption.  Several medical journals have also reported dangerous events in individuals over the age of 40 and who have a history of underlying heart disease and/or hypertension.

The origins of black licorice comes from a low-growing shrub grown for commercial use in Greece, Turkey, and Asia.  For centuries, the plant’s root has been used in folk or traditional remedies in both Eastern and Western medicine.  Some ailments it has been used to treat include heartburn, stomach ulcers, bronchitis, sore throat, cough, and some infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.  But there is insufficient scientific data available that has determined if black licorice is effective in treating any medical condition.

Why would this old-fashioned favorite be such a trouble maker?  It’s all about a certain naturally present ingredient, glycyrrhizin, which may cause the kidneys to release potassium, a mineral essential for the normal activity of the heart. 

Does this mean no black licorice for anyone?  Not necessarily.  If it is consumed in moderation on occasion, it should not pose a problem.  But, consuming multiple 2 oz. bags – roughly 40-50 grams each – of black licorice each day for 14 days or longer can result in dangerously low levels of potassium.  In some individuals, this could result in abnormal heart rhythms, as well as hypertension, edema, lethargy, and congestive heart failure. 

Anyone who has been eating black licorice and is experiencing an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness should stop eating it immediately and contact their healthcare provider. 

Once a person stops consuming black licorice, potassium levels usually return to normal with no permanent health problems.  However, the FDA still advises precaution if you have a weakness for black licorice with this advice:

·      No matter what age a person is, no one should be eating large amounts of black licorice at any one time.

·      Anyone who has been eating black licorice and is experiencing an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness should immediately stop consuming it.

·      Be aware that black licorice can interact with some medications, herbs, and dietary supplements.  Ask a healthcare professional about possible interactions with a medication before consuming black licorice.