In a recent advisory, researchers have cautioned against children under the age of eight consuming slushy ice drinks containing glycerol, following several hospitalisations in the UK and Ireland. These eye-catching beverages, often targeted at younger audiences, frequently include glycerol as both a sweetener and a preventive measure against freezing solid. However, elevated levels of glycerol can pose serious health risks, especially for young children, potentially leading to glycerol intoxication, which manifests as shock, hypoglycemia, and unconsciousness.
A peer-reviewed study, recently published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, highlighted a noticeable increase in incidents in the UK and Ireland, prompting recommendations that children under eight should steer clear of such beverages. The research scrutinised medical records of 21 children, aged between two and seven, who required emergency care after consuming slushies. Most incidents occurred between 2018 and 2024, with children falling acutely ill within an hour. Common symptoms included loss of consciousness, high blood acidity, and low blood sugar, with a few cases necessitating brain scans and even resulting in seizures. Fortunately, all affected children recuperated quickly.
While slushy machines, invented in the US during the 1950s, sometimes use sugar to prevent freezing, the recent surge in glycerol-related cases may be linked to rising concerns over sugar intake and recent sugar taxes in the UK and Ireland. Current food safety guidelines advise against slushies containing glycerol for children aged four and under, but researchers advocate increasing the age limit. They urge clinicians, parents, and public health officials to be vigilant and provide clear guidance.
In London, some parents are already in favour of raising the recommended age. Elsa Qorri, a mother of two, expressed her worry after her daughters experienced discomfort from drinking slushies last year. Until her children are older, she has decided to avoid purchasing these drinks for them.
Vocabulary List:
- Glycerol /ˈɡlɪsərɒl/ (noun): A sweet thick liquid used mainly as a sweetener and humectant in foods and cosmetics.
- Intoxication /ɪnˌtɒk.sɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The state of being poisoned or affected by a toxic substance often leading to impaired functioning.
- Hypoglycemia /ˌhaɪ.poʊ.ɡlaɪˈsiː.mi.ə/ (noun): A condition characterized by an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood.
- Acute /əˈkjuːt/ (adjective): Characterized by a sudden onset and often severe symptoms.
- Surge /sɜːrdʒ/ (noun): A sudden increase or rise often used in contexts of demand or incidents.
- Recuperated /rɪˈkuːpəreɪtɪd/ (verb): Recovered from illness or injury.
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