Recent research has highlighted health concerns related to slushie consumption in children, especially those under eight years old. Medical experts are urging parents to be cautious about allowing young children to drink slushies containing glycerol, a common ingredient that prevents the beverages from freezing completely.
Study Links Slushies to Health Issues
The study, conducted by researchers from University College Dublin and led by Prof. Ellen Crushell, reviewed 21 hospital cases of children who experienced sudden illness after drinking glycerol-containing slushies. The findings, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, show a strong connection between slushie consumption and symptoms like low blood sugar and reduced consciousness.
According to the study, most cases occurred between 2018 and 2024 and involved children aged two to nearly seven years old. Upon arrival at emergency departments, all children were diagnosed with hypoglycemia—a condition marked by dangerously low blood sugar levels. Researchers believe that glycerol in slushies may be the direct cause of these symptoms.
What Is Glycerol Intoxication Syndrome?
The study identified a condition called glycerol intoxication syndrome as the cause of illness. This syndrome can cause various symptoms, including low blood sugar, lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and decreased consciousness.
Glycerol, a sugar substitute and natural alcohol, is commonly used in slushies to keep the drinks from freezing solid. In the UK, public health guidelines already advise against giving glycerol-containing slushies to children under four. However, researchers argue that stricter guidelines are needed to protect children’s health.
Need for Stronger Safety Guidelines
Out of the 21 cases analyzed, 15 recorded the time between drinking a slushie and the onset of symptoms. Fourteen children displayed symptoms within just one hour of consumption. Fortunately, all children recovered quickly and were discharged from hospitals with advice to avoid slushies.
Following the advice, 20 of the children experienced no further health issues. However, one child consumed another slushie at age seven and developed symptoms again within an hour. This incident highlights the potential risks of glycerol in slushies even for older children.
Researchers expressed concern over the lack of transparency about glycerol levels in slushies. They noted that determining a safe dose is difficult, as factors such as ingestion speed, food intake, and recent physical activity can affect how the body reacts.
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) currently recommends avoiding glycerol-containing slushies for children under four and limiting intake to one slushie per day for children aged five to ten. However, researchers suggest that age-based recommendations may not be enough to protect young consumers.
Proposed Changes to Safety Guidelines
Experts propose that guidelines should be based on weight rather than age, allowing for more accurate recommendations. Alternatively, increasing the minimum recommended age to eight could provide safer consumption levels for children.
Additionally, researchers emphasize that slushies offer no nutritional benefits and should not be considered part of a balanced diet. Public health guidelines should focus on ensuring safety and promoting healthier beverage choices for children.