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LONDON – A new medical review has raised serious concerns about the safety of slushy ice drinks containing glycerol for young children, recommending that those under eight years old should avoid them entirely. This warning comes after a surge in hospitalizations of children in the UK and Ireland who experienced adverse reactions after consuming these popular treats.
Published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood journal on Tuesday, the peer-reviewed study examined the medical records of 21 children, aged two to seven, who required emergency treatment between 2018 and 2024. These children suffered from glycerol intoxication, a condition that can lead to shock, low blood sugar, and loss of consciousness.
Glycerol, a sweetener and anti-freezing agent, is frequently used in brightly colored slushies marketed towards children. Researchers found that most of the affected children became acutely ill within an hour of consuming the drinks. Common symptoms included loss of consciousness, high blood acidity, and low sugar levels. Four children underwent brain scans, and one experienced a seizure. While all children recovered swiftly, the incidents highlight the potential dangers of glycerol consumption in young children.
The researchers suggest that the recent increase in cases might be linked to growing concerns about high sugar consumption and the implementation of sugar taxes in the UK and Ireland. These factors may have led to a greater reliance on glycerol as a sugar substitute in slushy drinks.
While food safety agencies in the UK and Ireland currently advise against giving glycerol-containing slushies to children aged four and under, the study’s authors argue that this age restriction should be extended to eight years old. “Younger children, especially those under eight years of age, should avoid slush ice drinks containing glycerol,” the researchers stated. “Clinicians and parents should be alert to the phenomenon, and public health bodies should ensure clear messaging.”
The review also acknowledged the possibility of unreported cases involving less severe symptoms.
In London, parents have expressed support for the increased age recommendation. Elsa Qorri, a mother of two, shared her concerns after her five and seven-year-old daughters experienced adverse effects from slushies last year. “They both got brain freeze and couldn’t have any more,” she said. “I’m not going to buy them again until the girls are a little bit older.”
The study, titled “Glycerol intoxication syndrome in young children, following the consumption of slush ice drinks,” was published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. (DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-328109)
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making decisions related to your or your child’s health. The information presented here is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute a substitute for professional medical advice.
