Children under the age of eight should completely avoid taking frozen drinks like “Slushy” due to the presence of glycerol that can lead to serious symptoms, including loss of consciousness, shock and hypoglycaemia
Recent medical studies have raised concerns about taking frozen drinks like “Slushy” by younger children. According to a research published in the magazine Archives of Disease in Childhoodi children under the age of eight they should completely avoid these drinks, due to the presence of glycerola sweetener used to prevent total freezing.
Research analyzed 21 cases of children between the two and seven yearsin the United Kingdom and in Ireland, who needed emergency care After consuming Slusies. These episodes, which took place between 2018 and 2024, have revealed that glycerol can cause serious symptoms, including Loss of consciousness, shock and hypoglycaemia. In some cases the children have presented levels high acidity in the bloodFour had to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging and one had a convulsive crisis.
Experts underline that although most children consume these drinks without obvious problems, the risk for the little ones is significant. The researchers speculate that many other children may have experienced milder symptoms such as nausea and vomitingwithout the need for hospitalization.
Many parents are not aware of the quantity of glycerol present
Currently the food authorities of the United Kingdom and Ireland advise to avoid the consumption of these drinks to children under four years and to limit it for those under the eleven. However, scholars suggest review these indicationsraising the minimum age to eight years to reduce the risk of wealthy intoxication.
One of the critical aspects is that parents often or how its effect can vary according to the consumption speed, the weight of the child and to the conjunction with other foods.
Another factor that may have contributed to an increase in these cases is the growing attention to sugar reduction in the products intended for children. In the countries where a tax on sugars is not in force, the Slushies contain more glucose And often they do not require glycerol as an anti-conclusion agent.
Faced with these evidence, the experts urge the health authorities a spread clearer information to parents and sellersso that children’s safety is guaranteed. Many parents have already expressed their support for a possible increase in the recommended minimum age, worried by the effects that these drinks could have on their younger children.
