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.
How much do you know?
What is one of the main reasons researchers have cautioned against children under eight consuming slushy ice drinks containing glycerol?
Which age group is recommended to avoid slushies containing glycerol, according to the recent advisory?
What symptoms can glycerol intoxication lead to in children, as mentioned in the article?
When were slushy machines invented?
What is one reason suggested for the recent surge in glycerol-related cases with slushy drinks?
What action have some London parents, like Elsa Qorri, taken regarding their children and slushy drinks?
Children aged two to seven are among those who required emergency care after consuming slushies containing glycerol.
Research recommends that children under four should avoid slushies containing glycerol.
Elevated levels of glycerol in slushy drinks pose no health risks to young children.
The recent advisory was prompted by a decrease in incidents related to glycerol intoxication in children.
Increasing the recommended age limit to avoid glycerol-containing slushies is suggested by researchers.
Parents in London are generally supportive of children consuming slushy drinks with glycerol.
Most incidents of children falling acutely ill after consuming slushies containing glycerol occurred between 2018 and .
Current food safety guidelines advise against glycerol-containing slushies for children aged four and .
Elsa Qorri has decided to avoid purchasing slushy drinks for her children until they are older, thus opting for alternative for them.
The recent surge in glycerol-related cases with slushies may be attributed to rising concerns over sugar intake and recent sugar in the UK and Ireland.
In response to the increase in incidents, researchers suggest that clinicians, parents, and public health officials provide clear regarding slushy drinks.
To prevent slushies from freezing solid, some machines use as a substitute for glycerol.
