NHS Issues Critical Alert on Black Liquorice for Millions with Hypertension
Millions of people across the United Kingdom are being urged to restrict their consumption of a popular type of sweet following a stark health warning. The alert specifically targets individuals with high blood pressure, a condition affecting an estimated 16 million adults in the UK.
The Silent Killer: Understanding the Scale of Hypertension
Approximately one in three people in the UK currently lives with high blood pressure, medically known as hypertension. According to the British Heart Foundation, this 'silent killer' condition impacted around 16 million adults as of 2025. Blood Pressure UK further estimates that five million UK adults aged 18 to 64 may have undiagnosed high blood pressure, significantly increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Poor dietary habits and unhealthy lifestyles are contributing to a rising rate of hypertension diagnoses among younger demographics, including people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. The condition earns its ominous nickname because it typically presents no symptoms while silently damaging blood vessels, often leading to severe, life-threatening complications like strokes and heart attacks. Many individuals remain unaware they have hypertension until irreversible damage has occurred, underscoring the critical importance of regular blood pressure monitoring.
High blood pressure stands as one of the most significant preventable causes of death in the UK, making proactive self-testing and management essential for public health.
Why Black Liquorice Poses a Specific Danger
Health experts, including the NHS, advise that individuals with high blood pressure should strictly avoid or severely limit their intake of black liquorice. This popular confection contains glycyrrhizic acid, a compound that causes the body to retain sodium and water while excreting potassium. This biochemical disruption can lead to elevated blood pressure, fluid retention, and potential cardiac problems, with even small quantities affecting sensitive individuals.
In a recent video, Dr. Eric Berg, a specialist in healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, reinforced this warning. "Eating a lot of liquorice can lower the potassium in your body, which might result in high blood pressure," he stated. "If you consume too much of it, it can cause you to retain sodium and flush potassium; you could also experience muscle cramps and heart arrhythmias." Dr. Berg, who is also the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals, explained that glycyrrhizin in liquorice blocks a protective enzyme, leading to increased cortisol levels.
Official NHS Guidance on Consumption Limits
The NHS provides clear, specific guidelines regarding black liquorice consumption. While generally safe for most people in moderation, excessive intake poses a serious risk, particularly for those over 40 with a history of heart disease or hypertension. Consuming more than 57 grams (two ounces) of black liquorice daily for at least two weeks may lead to serious health issues, including increased blood pressure and irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
The NHS explicitly states: "Can eating too much black liquorice be bad for you? Yes, particularly if you're over 40 and have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, or both." For most people, liquorice in foods is safe when eaten occasionally, and it is also safe in large medicinal amounts for short periods. However, anyone experiencing heart palpitations, muscle weakness, or related symptoms after consuming large amounts should cease intake immediately and seek medical advice.
Liquorice sweets coated in salt are especially detrimental to cardiovascular health. The adverse effects are attributed to glycyrrhizin, a compound found in liquorice root that is 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar. It disrupts the body's critical potassium and sodium balance, essential for fluid regulation, potentially causing hypertension, edema, muscle weakness, and cardiac rhythm abnormalities.
Research and Broader Implications Beyond Sweets
A 2024 Swedish study indicated that even small quantities of liquorice can raise blood pressure, primarily due to glycyrrhizic acid affecting kidney enzymes. Victoria Taylor, a registered dietitian with the British Heart Foundation, noted that while liquorice-induced changes are usually not permanent, cessation is crucial, and any symptoms should be discussed with a doctor to rule out other causes.
The risk extends beyond confectionery. Liquorice tea can also increase blood pressure, with high consumption potentially leading to hypertension and hypokalemia. Dr. Berg cautioned that two cups of liquorice tea daily or 100 mg of liquorice candy over two weeks could disrupt electrolyte balance, with chronic low doses accumulating in the body.
Black liquorice may interact with certain medications, herbs, and supplements, such as warfarin or hormone replacement therapy. The NHS recommends consulting a GP or pharmacist with any concerns. For those seeking benefits without risks, Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL) offers an alternative without glycyrrhizin.
Recognising the Symptoms of Hypertension
High blood pressure often remains asymptomatic until causing severe damage or reaching critical levels. When symptoms manifest, they may include:
- Severe, throbbing headaches
- Blurred or double vision
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Confusion, anxiety, or dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Sudden fatigue or numbness
Hypertension forces the heart to work harder, placing sustained pressure on blood vessels, which can damage, narrow, or weaken arteries over time. This significantly raises the risk of catastrophic events like stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney failure. Individuals with high blood pressure are advised to check food labels for liquorice root extract and consult healthcare professionals if they regularly consume significant amounts.
