What Are The Dangers Of Black Licorice?

If you consume black licorice, you need to be aware of an ingredient that may have harmful health effects. If you have hypertension or are pregnant, you may want to taper off or stop your consumption of black licorice. It may counteract medications or exacerbate side effects. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a consumer advisory warning against consuming as little as 2 oz of back licorice daily for more than two weeks.

Glycyrrhizinic Acid Causes the Problems

Glycyrrhizinic acid is a derivative of licorice root. This substance can inhibit conversion of cortisol to cortisone in the body. Excess circulating cortisol in the body can stimulate mineralocorticoid receptors and act in the place of the hormone aldoesterone.This condition, known as pseudohyperaldosteronism or hyperminerolocorticoidism, causes hypertension, edema, and increased potassium excretion; hypokalemia, or low blood potassium, causes muscle pain, weakness, and cramps, and may adversely affect your heart.

Maternal Consumption May Lower I.Q.

Elevated levels of cortisol during pregnancy is related to cognitive impairments and behavioral disorders, according to a study in the "American Journal of Epidemiology." Children who had a mother who consumed more than 100 g of black licorice, equivalent to 500 mg of glycyrrhizinic acid, weekly while pregnant had lower intelligence quotients than children whose mother did not consume black licorice. Heart problems later in life have also been linked to fetal exposure to glycyrrhizinic acid. Glycyrrhizinic acid also decreases the ability of the placenta to protect the growing fetus from stress hormones.

Black Licorice Interacts With Some Medications

Patients taking digoxin, most commonly prescribed for heart problems, should avoid black licorice because of its potential to increase side effects and its potential to cause digoxin toxicity. Glycyrrhizinic acid decreases the pharmacological effect of spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat edema, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.

Consume Black Licorice in Moderation

Researchers recommend consuming less than 100 mg of glycyrrhizinic acid, equivalent to 2 oz or 50 g of black licorice, daily to avoid negative health consequences. Pregnant women should avoid glycyrrhizinic acid. Black licorice made from deglycyrrhizanated extract instead of glycyrrhizinic acid does not produce the same negative health effects associated with the latter and may be a safe alternative. If you consume licorice, talk to your doctor about potential medication interactions and ask about the health effects it could be causing you.