Drinks, confectionery, syrups, herbal teas or food supplements: Licorice is invited in many products from our daily life. But behind its soft-amer taste hides a very real risk. The National Health Safety Agency (ANSES) has analyzed more than a hundred cases of undesirable effects, sometimes severe, linked to its consumption. The institution is now alerting consumers to the dangers of repeated liquorice consumption, especially for vulnerable people.
A current ingredient but not without risks
Used for its digestive properties or as aroma (E958), the liquorice contains glycyrrhizique acid, a compound with potentially serious side effects. Excessive and repeated consumption can cause hypokalemia (decrease in potassium levels in the blood) and high blood pressure, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. These effects have been confirmed in more than a hundred cases reported to handles via nutrivigilance and anti -poison centers. Most of these reports concerned drinks and confectionery based on licorice.
Vulnerable populations to protect
Children, pregnant or lactating women, as well as people with hypertension, kidney or hepatic disorders are particularly sensitive to these effects. In addition, liquorice can interact dangerously with several classes of drugs, including diuretics, digital, stimulating laxatives, and antihypertensive. In the event of drug treatment or underlying pathology, it is therefore essential to report any consumption of licorice to your health professional.
Better information required on labels
According to ANSES, 60 % of adults and more than 40 % of children who consume liquorice exceed the recommended toxicological threshold. Despite this, few products clearly mention its presence, especially in the form of an extract or aroma. The agency therefore recommends compulsory labeling from the lowest concentrations, in order to limit the risks of involuntary overconsumption. She also advocates avoiding the accumulation of licorice sources on a daily basis: pastis, herbal teas, candy, chewing gum and other processed products.
If the liquorice may seem harmless, its repeated or excessive use is a real danger to cardiovascular health, especially in fragile people. Vigilance therefore, and attentive reading of the labels to enjoy his flavors … without harming his health.