Because of its sweetening power, glycyrrhizin, the most abundant component of the root of licoriceis used in many products: ice cream, sweets, syrups, alcoholic beverages, chewing gum, food supplements… So much so that the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) warns: “ regular consumption of foods containing them in large quantities can lead to severe poisoning that can even be life-threatening, even in healthy people “, she says in a news item (Source 1).
This warning stems from a study carried out over the period 2012-2021 by ANSES, in conjunction with poison control centres. She reveals that 64 people were poisoned following the consumption of drinks or foods containing liquorice during this period. “ In 42% of cases, they presented serious symptoms:arterial hypertension, heart problems caused by too high a potassium level in the blood…, sometimes going so far as to engage their vital prognosis”, details ANSES, which specifies that this can occur in healthy people who have never suffered from hypertension. In addition, certain diuretic drugs may have their effects increased by the consumption of licorice.
Glycyrrhizin indeed induces a pseudo-hyperaldosteronism, in other words an excess of the hormone aldosterone, secreted by the adrenal glands. This induces a loss of potassium through the urine, leading to a drop in the concentration of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), water and sodium retention, and a rise in blood pressure.
Given that it can be difficult to know whether one’s consumption of liquorice is excessive or not, ANSES recommends not multiplying the sources of intake, and avoiding the continuous consumption of products containing liquorice. Watchwords: moderately and occasionally.