The Dangers of Eating Too Much Licorice
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has an important message for all candy lovers: “As it turns out, you
really can overdose on candy – or, more precisely, black licorice.”
As a result, the FDA is warning lovers of
licorice to avoid eating this sweet treat. This is because licorice
contains a compound called glycrrhizin, which, in large doses, can be
harmful to the heart. This compound can cause potassium levels in the
body to fall, which can lead to an abnormal heartbeat, swelling,
lethargy, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure.
Glycyrrhizin is particularly harmful to people over the age of 40: For
people in this age group, eating 2 ounces (56 grams) of black licorice a
day for a period of at least two weeks could lead to an irregular
heartbeat. Black licorice is often sold in 2-ounce bags.
Dr. Linda Katz, director of the Office of
Cosmetics and Colors at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
at the FDA, noted that the health issues caused by black licorice are
not permanent. A person’s potassium levels will usually return to normal
after that person stops eating that food.
The FDA gives the following advice for
black-licorice lovers:
• Don’t eat large amounts of candy at once, no matter what your age is.
• If you have eaten a large amount of black licorice and have muscle
weakness or an irregular heartbeat, stop eating the candy, and contact
your doctor.
• Black licorice can interact with some herbs, medications, and
supplements. Ask a doctor any questions you might have about possible
reactions.