The Food and Drug Administration is wishing everyone a Happy Halloween — but with a cautionary twist for black licorice fans.
The agency recently put out a warning about the traditional Halloween treat, suggesting people eat the snack in moderation. And for good reason: For those who are 40 and older, consuming two ounces of black licorice every day for a minimum of two weeks could lead to irregular heart rhythm (what’s known as an arrhythmia).
This is because black licorice includes the compound glycyrrhizin, according to FDA experts. Glycyrrhizin, the sweetening compound found in licorice root, can decrease people’s potassium levels. For some, this could bring on everything from high blood pressure to swelling or even congestive heart failure.
When people stop eating black licorice, their potassium levels typically return to normal and they don’t have any permanent health issues, Dr. Linda Katz of the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.
In general, people are encouraged not to eat copious amounts of black licorice in one sitting regardless of age. People should also to stop eating black licorice and talk to their health care provider if they have been eating it and also develop an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness. Additionally, they should contact their health care provider regarding interactions between black licorice and drugs they may be taking.
The FDA also suggests people reach out to their local consumer complaint coordinator if they’ve had problems following licorice consumption.
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Stop Eating Too Much Black Licorice, FDA Warns originally appeared on usnews.com
