Too much black licorice can cause arrhythmia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers in advance of Halloween that too much black licorice can be harmful to one's health.

In a consumer alert issued October 25, the agency warned that those 40 and older could land in the hospital with an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia if they eat 2 ounces of black licorice a day for two weeks or more.

Black licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin, a sweetening compound derived from licorice root. Glycyrrhizin can cause potassium levels in the body to fall. When that happens, some people experience abnormal heart rhythms, as well as high blood pressure, edema, lethargy, and congestive heart failure. Potassium levels are usually restored with no permanent health problems when consumption of black licorice stops, according to the agency.

The FDA turned its attention to the issue after receiving a report of a black licorice aficionado who had a problem after eating the candy. Several medical journals have linked black licorice to health problems in people older than 40, some of whom had a history of heart disease and/or high blood pressure.