Even small dose of Liquorice can elevate blood pressure, finds study
According to a study conducted by researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, consuming even small quantities of liquorice can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Those who react most strongly also display indications of cardiac strain.
The study was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Liquorice is produced from the root of plants of the Glycyrrhiza species and has long been used as a herbal remedy and flavouring. However, it is known that eating liquorice can also raise blood pressure. This is mainly due to a substance called glycyrrhizic acid that affects the body's fluid balance through effects on an enzyme in the kidney. High blood pressure, in turn, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Both the European Union and the World Health Organization have concluded that 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per day may be safe to eat for most individuals.
In the study, 28 participants aged 18-30 were split into two groups. They were instructed to alternate between consuming liquorice and a control product containing salmiak, which gives salty liquorice its flavour. Participants were randomly assigned to eat either liquorice or the control product for two weeks, take a break for two weeks, and then eat the other variety for two weeks. Participants monitored their blood pressure daily, and at the end of each period, researchers evaluated hormone levels, salt balance, and heart workload to compare the effects of both substances.
The study found that liquorice consumption led to an average increase of 3.1 mmHg in participants' blood pressure. Additionally, levels of the hormones, renin and aldosterone, which regulate fluid balance, decreased after consuming liquorice. The most sensitive quarter of participants, identified by the greatest decrease in these hormones, also experienced slight weight gain likely due to increased fluid retention. This group also showed elevated levels of NT-proBNP, indicating heightened fluid volume and heart workload in response to liquorice.
"In the study, we found that a daily intake of liquorice containing 100 mg glycyrrhizic acid raised blood pressure in young healthy people. This hasn't previously been shown for such small amounts of liquorice," said Peder af Geijerstam, doctoral student at the Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences at Linköping University, general practitioner, and lead author of the study.
Reference: Peder af Geijerstam, Annelie Joelsson, Karin Rådholm, Fredrik H Nyström. A low dose of daily licorice intake affects renin, aldosterone, and home blood pressure in a randomized crossover trial. Journal: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2024; 119 (3): 682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.011
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