Researchers are calling for a change in official public-health advice regarding slushy ice drinks containing glycerol, warning that children under the age of eight should completely avoid them due to the risk of severe illness. A study conducted on 21 two-to-seven-year-olds in the UK and Ireland who required emergency treatment after consuming slushy products revealed alarming results.
These colorful drinks, popular among children, are formulated with glycerol, a sweetener that prevents them from freezing solid and creates the slushy effect. The use of glycerol instead of sugar poses a significant health risk, as rapid consumption of slushies can lead to glycerol intoxication, resulting in shock, hypoglycemia, and loss of consciousness in young children.
The study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood documented cases where children experienced severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness, low sugar levels, and brain scans following the consumption of slushies. Despite the children all making a full recovery after receiving A&E treatment, the study highlights the need for greater awareness and caution regarding the consumption of these beverages.
Paediatricians involved in the research emphasized the lack of transparency surrounding the concentration of glycerol in slushy ice drinks, making it challenging to determine a safe dose. Factors such as a child’s weight, speed of consumption, and whether the drink is taken with food or after physical activity can all influence the potential risk of glycerol intoxication. The study also points out the differences in sugar content in slushies between countries with and without sugar taxes, suggesting a link between lower sugar levels and the increased risk of glycerol-related illnesses in children
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