Introduction

Alarm bells are ringing as medical experts urge parents to keep their children under the age of eight away from “slushy” ice drinks that contain glycerol—a harmful substance that has been linked to serious health issues. New research reveals that these colorful, appealing beverages are not just a fun treat; they can potentially make young children very ill.

Study Findings

A study examining 21 cases of children aged two to seven in the UK and Ireland found that they required emergency medical treatment shortly after consuming slushy products. These drinks, often marketed towards children, typically replace sugar with glycerol to create that delightful slushy texture without freezing solid. However, this substitution may come at a high cost to children’s health.

Current Guidelines

Current guidelines from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommend that children under five should steer clear of these drinks and that those under 11 should limit their intake to just one. The findings of this recent study indicate that these recommendations may not be stringent enough.

Health Risks

Drinking slushies too quickly can lead to glycerol intoxication, which can manifest in severe symptoms including shock, dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and in some cases, even loss of consciousness. Notable cases in the study included a two-year-old named Arla and a four-year-old named Albie, both of whom ended up in a hospital emergency department after consuming slushies.

Symptoms and Complications

Between 2018 and 2024, all children in the study exhibited symptoms consistent with “glycerol intoxication syndrome,” including loss of consciousness, low blood sugar levels, and increased acidity in the blood. Alarmingly, four of them required brain scans, and one child experienced a seizure. Fortunately, all the affected children recovered and were sent home with advice to avoid slushies in the future.

Lack of Transparency

The study, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, highlights a concerning lack of transparency regarding glycerol concentrations in slushy drinks. This absence of clear information makes it difficult for parents to gauge what constitutes a safe amount for their children. Factors such as the rate at which a slushy is consumed and whether it’s consumed with food or after physical activity complicate the situation even further.

Rising Health Risks with Sugar Alternatives

Interestingly, one possible reason behind the increasing incidents of children falling ill after drinking slushies could be the trend towards lower sugar content in these drinks. While parents may appreciate a no-sugar option, they may not realize it often comes with higher glycerol levels. In countries free from sugar taxes, slushies are frequently made with far more glucose, sometimes eliminating glycerol from the equation entirely.

Conclusion

In light of these alarming findings, parents are advised to think twice before allowing their children to indulge in slushy drinks. The consequences could be more serious than a simple brain freeze.