Doctors are warning parents about the risks of slushies for young children. A study found that these popular drinks can cause low blood sugar and other health problems. Experts say children under eight should not drink slushies containing glycerol.
Research Shows a Link to Health Issues
The study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, looked at 21 cases of children who became sick after drinking slushies. The researchers reviewed hospital records and found a pattern of illness. The children showed symptoms soon after drinking slushies, raising concerns about glycerol, a key ingredient in these drinks.
Glycerol is a type of alcohol used as a sugar substitute. It helps slushies stay soft and prevents them from freezing solid. While it is considered safe in small amounts, the study suggests it can harm young children. Doctors say public health guidelines may need to change to protect kids from these risks.
Symptoms and Risks of Glycerol Intoxication
Doctors identified a condition called glycerol intoxication syndrome in these cases. The symptoms included:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Decreased consciousness
- Excess lactic acid in the body (lactic acidosis)
- Low potassium levels (hypokalaemia)
Most of the affected children were between two and seven years old. Many became ill within an hour of drinking a slushie. They were taken to hospitals where doctors diagnosed them with hypoglycemia. The symptoms appeared suddenly but resolved quickly once the children received medical care.
The Need for Stricter Guidelines
In the UK, health officials already advise against giving glycerol-containing slushies to children under four. However, researchers from University College Dublin believe this guidance is not strong enough. They argue that children under eight should also avoid these drinks.
The study followed 15 cases where doctors knew exactly when the children drank a slushie. Fourteen of them became sick within an hour. After being treated, all 21 children in the study recovered quickly. They were told to avoid slushies in the future.
Twenty children followed this advice and had no further issues. However, one child drank another slushie at age seven and became sick again within an hour. This case shows that some children remain vulnerable even as they grow older.
Concerns Over Glycerol Levels in Slushies
One major issue is the lack of clear information about glycerol levels in slushies. The amount can vary depending on where the drink is made. Researchers say it is difficult to determine a safe amount for children. Factors like how fast they drink, whether they eat food with it, and their activity level can all affect how glycerol impacts their bodies.
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) currently advises that children under four should not drink slushies with glycerol. For kids between five and ten, they recommend no more than one slushie per day. However, the researchers believe these rules do not go far enough.
Weight-Based Guidelines May Be Better
Instead of basing guidelines on age, experts suggest using a child’s weight to set safety rules. A heavier child might handle glycerol better than a lighter one of the same age. Raising the minimum recommended age to eight may also help reduce risks.
Doctors stress that slushies have no health benefits. They contain no essential nutrients and are high in sugar. They recommend that parents limit their children’s intake, especially for those under eight.
Public Health Action Needed
Researchers believe this study should prompt updates to public health policies. Better labeling on slushie products could help parents make informed choices. Stores and restaurants should also be aware of these risks and avoid selling glycerol-containing slushies to young children.
This issue highlights the importance of food safety regulations. Young children’s bodies react differently to certain ingredients. Public health policies must reflect this to prevent harm. Until stricter guidelines are in place, parents should be cautious about giving slushies to their children.