UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Toxicology

Title: Halloween Candy - Which one is toxic?

Keywords: glycyrrhizic acid, licorice (PubMed Search)

Posted: 10/31/2013 by Fermin Barrueto, MD (Updated: 3/28/2024)
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto, MD

You have a treat bag full of candy, which one can cause hypertension, hyopkalemia, metabolic alkalosis, rhabdomyolysis, low renin activity, thrombocytopenia and hypoaldosteronism. (scroll down for answer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licorice syrup or licorice extract contains glycyrrhizic acid which has a mineralcorticoid-like effect and can cause of all of the effects. Don't worry, Twizzlers and other usual licorice candies do not have true licorice extract in them. It is found in herbal remedies and some "natural" candies and licorice flavored cigars. Don't pick the licorice !