In recent days, social networks have been invaded by a surprising post: a group of Dutch innovators would have created a paracetamol ice cream, designed to relieve fever, headache and light pain, making drug intake “sweeter”. The idea immediately unleashed curiosity, irony and also some concern. But is it really all true?
A patent exists, but no medicinal ice cream is on sale
In reality, no ice cream with paracetamol is now on the market in the Netherlands or elsewhere. To make the opposite believe was a photo circulated online, taken from a viral account, which showed a cup with the word “Paracetamol Ice Cream”.
The image, however, dates back to 2016, when a Dutch pastry called Nagelkerke (with the Maddy pastry chef) he proposed it as a temporary attraction during a carnival. It was a scenic creation, not intended for consumption: in fact, the health authorities immediately asked for the removal, precisely for the risks related to the non -controllable dosage.
Despite this, a fund of truth exists. In 2001 a European patent was filed (EP 1089709a1) which describes a “Pharmaceutical ice cream”that is, a creamy formulation containing antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol.
The objective of the patent was to improve the intake of medicines, in particular in children, combining taste and therapeutic function. According to the document, the active ingredient could be mixed with common ingredients such as milk and cream and then frozen, maintaining stability and bioavailability of the drug. However, it is only a theoretical experiment: there is no clinical tests or official approvals tests.
Because a “medicinal ice cream” is not so simple to make
Although the idea fascinates, transforming a drug into food has enormous challenges. The dosage must be precise, the distribution of the homogeneous active ingredient and safe conservation. In addition, each product that contains a medicine needs a specific health authorization: it cannot be sold as food.
The Dutch authorities, in fact, clarified that a “paracetamol ice cream” would require the same checks and controls as any other counter -counter drug.
Experts remember that paracetamol is only sure if taken in the correct doses: an excess can cause serious liver damage. This is why the idea, however creative, remains confined to the patents and artistic provocations.
Between science and curiosity: fantasy is not enough to replace medicine
The charm of a dessert that “care” is undeniable. But no company or laboratory has now introduced a similar product on the market. That of the “Paracetamol ice cream” remains a viral news, amplified by social media, which mixes an old scientific patent with a pinch of imagination.
However, there is good news: pharmaceutical research continues to experiment with new forms to make medicines more pleasant to take, especially for fragile children or patients. But, at least for now, the cure is not found in the freezer.
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