Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Slushie Drinks Are Not Safe For Children, Finds Study

Slushie drinks not safe for kids

Children should completely avoid "slushy" ice drinks. It contains glycerol, which has the possibility to make kids very sick. Researchers have also recommended that the right age is to wait till the kid is 8 year old. The researchers studied cases of 21 two-to-seven-years-old in the UK and Ireland who needed emergency treatment soon after drinking a slushy product. These are bright colored drinks which appeal to kids because of their attractive colors. 

These drinks mostly contain naturally occurring sweetener glycerol, instead of sugar to stop the drink from freezing solid and give the slushy effect. As per the Food Standards Agency (FSA), kids under five should avoid these drinks and kids under 11 should not have more than one. The advice comes in the backdrop of young kids being intoxicated by glycerol and causing them shock and hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar. This could also lead to loss of consciousness. 

Two-year-old Arla and four-year-old Albie are among several children who ended up in the hospital after drinking slushies. A study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood examined 21 cases where children required accident-and-emergency (A&amp;E) treatment within an hour of consuming the drinks. These cases were recorded mostly between 2018 and 2024.

<h4>What is Glycerol Intoxication Syndrome?</h4>

Doctors found that the children suffered from glycerol intoxication syndrome, a condition that affected them in various ways:

Most lost consciousness and showed signs of low blood sugar and high acidity levels.

<ul><li>Four children needed brain scans.</li><li>One child experienced a seizure.</li></ul>

Despite these severe reactions, all affected children recovered and were discharged with advice to avoid slushies in the future.

Professor Ellen Crushell, the study’s lead author from Dublin, warns that the 21 cases could be just the "tip of the iceberg." Many children may experience milder symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, but never seek hospital treatment.

Paediatricians in the UK and Ireland highlight the difficulty in determining how much glycerol is in slushy drinks. Since recommended intake levels are based on a child's weight, parents may struggle to assess the risk. Other factors, such as how quickly the drink is consumed and whether it is taken with a meal or after exercise, also influence its effects.

<h4>Should Age-Based Guidelines Be Introduced?</h4>

Dr. Sally Anne Wilson, chair of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s Safer Care Committee, suggests that age-based guidelines might be a better way to regulate slushie consumption. Since children's weights vary, setting an age restriction could simplify safety recommendations.

“There’s definitely an argument for increasing the minimum age,” Dr. Wilson told BBC Breakfast. This approach would help parents make safer choices for their children without needing to calculate safe glycerol intake.

<h4>Why Are Slushies Causing More Issues Now?</h4>

One possible reason for the rise in cases is the lower sugar content in slushies. Many parents opt for these drinks because they appear to be a healthier alternative. However, in countries without a sugar tax, slushies contain more glucose and often no glycerol at all. This suggests that the reformulation of slushie drinks in some regions could be contributing to the problem.

Rebecca Sudworth, director of policy at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), says the organization is reviewing the study’s findings.

The FSA continues to advise that slushie drinks should not be given to children under four years old, and retailers should ensure parents are aware of this guidance.

While glycerol intoxication symptoms are typically mild, excessive consumption can pose a risk, making awareness crucial for parents

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Children should completely avoid "slushy" ice drinks. It contains glycerol, which has the possibility to make kids very sick. Researchers have also recommended that the right age is to wait till the kid is 8 year old. The researchers studied cases of 21 two-to-seven-years-old in the UK and Ireland who needed emergency treatment soon after drinking a slushy product. These are bright colored drinks which appeal to kids because of their attractive colors. These drinks mostly contain naturally occurring sweetener glycerol, instead of sugar to stop the drink from freezing solid and give the slushy effect. As per the Food Standards Agency (FSA), kids under five should avoid these drinks and kids under 11 should not have more than one. The advice comes in the backdrop of young kids being intoxicated by glycerol and causing them shock and hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar. This could also lead to loss of consciousness. Two-year-old Arla and four-year-old Albie are among several children who ended up in the hospital after drinking slushies. A study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood examined 21 cases where children required accident-and-emergency (A&E) treatment within an hour of consuming the drinks. These cases were recorded mostly between 2018 and 2024.What is Glycerol Intoxication Syndrome?Doctors found that the children suffered from glycerol intoxication syndrome, a condition that affected them in various ways:Most lost consciousness and showed signs of low blood sugar and high acidity levels.Four children needed brain scans.One child experienced a seizure.Despite these severe reactions, all affected children recovered and were discharged with advice to avoid slushies in the future.Why Are Parents Unaware?Professor Ellen Crushell, the study’s lead author from Dublin, warns that the 21 cases could be just the "tip of the iceberg." Many children may experience milder symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, but never seek hospital treatment.Paediatricians in the UK and Ireland highlight the difficulty in determining how much glycerol is in slushy drinks. Since recommended intake levels are based on a child's weight, parents may struggle to assess the risk. Other factors, such as how quickly the drink is consumed and whether it is taken with a meal or after exercise, also influence its effects.Should Age-Based Guidelines Be Introduced?Dr. Sally Anne Wilson, chair of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s Safer Care Committee, suggests that age-based guidelines might be a better way to regulate slushie consumption. Since children's weights vary, setting an age restriction could simplify safety recommendations.“There’s definitely an argument for increasing the minimum age,” Dr. Wilson told BBC Breakfast. This approach would help parents make safer choices for their children without needing to calculate safe glycerol intake.Why Are Slushies Causing More Issues Now?One possible reason for the rise in cases is the lower sugar content in slushies. Many parents opt for these drinks because they appear to be a healthier alternative. However, in countries without a sugar tax, slushies contain more glucose and often no glycerol at all. This suggests that the reformulation of slushie drinks in some regions could be contributing to the problem.What Are Authorities Saying?Rebecca Sudworth, director of policy at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), says the organization is reviewing the study’s findings.The FSA continues to advise that slushie drinks should not be given to children under four years old, and retailers should ensure parents are aware of this guidance.While glycerol intoxication symptoms are typically mild, excessive consumption can pose a risk, making awareness crucial for parents