Glycyrrhizin
This is what the ingredient is.
Glycyrrhizin is a natural sweetener extracted from licorice root, approximately 30-50 times sweeter than sucrose.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
Used as a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer in candies, beverages, and traditional medicines. Provides characteristic licorice flavor.
Here is what food agencies say.
FDA GRAS for use in foods. EFSA recommends limiting intake. Permitted with restrictions in many countries.
Here is what research has found.
Traditional use spanning thousands of years. Studies show potential health benefits but also risks at high doses.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Excessive consumption can cause hypertension, hypokalemia, and edema. Not recommended for those with heart conditions or during pregnancy.
Sources
- FDA CFR 21
- EFSA Scientific Opinion
- WHO Monograph
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.