I found this article and found it interesting...~Jan
Licorice Linked With Prematurity
The News: Eating lots of licorice when you're pregnant may increase the risk of early delivery, according to a new study.
Licorice contains a chemical (glycyrrhizin) that has been previously associated with shorter pregnancies but not necessarily with preterm delivery. Researchers in Finland compared about 100 women who carried their babies to term with about the same number who delivered prematurely. They found that heavy licorice consumption caused a twofold increased risk of preterm delivery.(American Journal of Epidemiology 2002; vol. 158: pp. 803-805)
Comment by Loraine Stern, M.D.: Licorice is popular not only for its taste but because it is relatively low in calories and fat compared with other confections. If you're pregnant and watching your intake, steer clear of licorice until this association is confirmed. The good news is that "red" licorice is not really licorice and does not contain this chemical.
Licorice Linked With Prematurity
The News: Eating lots of licorice when you're pregnant may increase the risk of early delivery, according to a new study.
Licorice contains a chemical (glycyrrhizin) that has been previously associated with shorter pregnancies but not necessarily with preterm delivery. Researchers in Finland compared about 100 women who carried their babies to term with about the same number who delivered prematurely. They found that heavy licorice consumption caused a twofold increased risk of preterm delivery.(American Journal of Epidemiology 2002; vol. 158: pp. 803-805)
Comment by Loraine Stern, M.D.: Licorice is popular not only for its taste but because it is relatively low in calories and fat compared with other confections. If you're pregnant and watching your intake, steer clear of licorice until this association is confirmed. The good news is that "red" licorice is not really licorice and does not contain this chemical.
