FDA Warns Licorice May Cause Heart Trouble

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a statement cautioning people older than age 40 about eating too much black licorice—2 ounces per day for two weeks. FDA experts explain that black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a sweetening compound that can cause the body’s potassium levels to plummet, leading to an irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure, edema, lethargy, and possibly heart failure, said FDA. The agency also warned that black licorice can interact negatively with some medications and supplements. According to FDA Director of Cosmetics and Colors Linda Katz, potassium levels are usually restored with no permanent health problems when black licorice consumption stops.