International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Expectant mothers should avoid consuming liquorice when pregnant as it could increase their newborn's health later in life, experts have warned.

A study by London's Great Ormond Street Hospital and the University of Helsinki has found children whose mothers consumed liquorice during the pregnancy have a higher incidence of disease in later life.

Children aged eight were tested for levels of cortisol, a hormone that helps the body deal with stress but is also linked to diseases such as diabetes and increased chance of obesity.

Experts found children's coritsol levels were a third higher if their mother had eaten half a gram of liquorice a week or more during their pregnancy.

It is thought this is caused by glycyrrhirin, a naturally occurring ingredient of liquorice, which scientists believe affects the regulation of the cortisol hormone.

Great Ormond Street Hospital recently celebrated the successful stem cell trachea transplant of an 11 year old boy. Despite his mother experiencing no complications during her pregnancy, when he was born Ciaran Finn-Lynch's lungs collapsed and he was diagnosed with Long Segment Tracheal Stenosis. The condition meant his windpipe was very narrow and made breathing difficult.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie