A construction worker in Massachusetts suddenly collapsed while eating lunch. The culprit? His candy-rich diet that comprised of eating a bag and a half of black licorice every day
According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a Massachusetts construction worker ended up suffering a cardiac arrest thanks to his love for candy. The 54-year-old had recently switched from eating red, fruit-flavored candy to black licorice.
Bad News for Licorice Lovers
While black licorice is safe in small quantities, it can be dangerous when consumed in large amounts or even in more moderate amounts on a regular basis
Dr. Jacqueline Boykin Henson
Glycyrrhizic acid, or glycyrrhizin, is a natural sweetener found in licorice root. It can cause a drop in the body’s potassium levels. Thus, causing high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, edema and even, heart failure.
These effects are usually reversible and potassium levels are restored once consumption stops. However, a return to normal can take weeks to months.
The problem does not only lie with licorice sticks but, also anything licorice-flavored, from candies to beers.
Man Suffers a Cardiac Arrest
The 54-year-old was eating lunch at a fast-food restaurant when he suddenly lost consciousness. Emergency first responders immediately conducted CPR and shifted the patient to the hospital.
The hospital diagnosed him with ventricular fibrillation and, found his potassium levels were dangerously low. Additionally, the patient had also developed a chloride-resistant metabolic alkalosis.
According to the case report, his family declined renal replacement therapy. Therefore, only comfort measures were provided to the patient.
32 hours after presentation, the patient passed away with his family by his bedside.
According to Dr. Boykin Henson, the patient was generally healthy and not suffering from any underlying conditions. His diet seemed to be the only important factor in this situation.
FDA Warns Those Over 40
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned people over the age of 40 to avoid eating large amounts of licorice. Even as little as 2 ounces of it a day for two weeks can cause electrolyte imbalances and arrhythmias in those over 40 years of age.
However, it is important to look out for signs such as muscle weakness and irregular heart rhythms when eating black licorice, no matter our age.
Fortunately, most licorice-flavored products now contain no licorice but anise oil instead. Therefore, providing safer alternatives to candy lovers.
Reference:
Edelman, Elazer R., et al. “Case 30-2020: A 54-Year-Old Man with Sudden Cardiac Arrest.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 383, no. 13, 2020, pp. 1263–1275., doi:10.1056/nejmcpc2002420.
