New findings published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood indicate that some children should avoid drinking slushies made with glycerol.
Pediatricians say children under 8 should avoid frozen treats if they contain harmful ingredients. Glycerol, a naturally occurring alcohol and substitute for sugar, helps slushies and slurpees maintain their characteristic texture by preventing liquid from freezing.
The findings were published after a review of the medical notes of 21 children who became sick shortly after consuming the drinks. According to the study, the young children developed glycerol intoxication syndrome. It can lead to symptoms like decreased consciousness and low blood sugar.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not have any specific recommendations around the consumption of glycerol, also known as glycerin. However, in the U.K., the Food Standards Agency advises children under age 4 to avoid drinking slush drinks with glycerol. They also say children ages 5 to 10 should not consume more than a single slush daily.
Now, pediatricians overseas say the advice needs updating, and kids under eight should avoid the additive.
“Clinicians and parents should be alert to the phenomenon, and public health bodies should ensure clear messaging regarding the fact that younger children, especially those under eight years of age, should avoid slush ice drinks containing glycerol,” said the review team at University College Dublin, led by pediatrician Prof. Ellen Crushell, per The Guardian.
The medical experts knew the time between consuming the slush and developing symptoms for 15 of the 21 children. Of those 15, almost all, 14, felt sick within an hour of having the iced drink.
The good news?
All 21 children quickly recovered from the glycerol intoxication. Moreover, 20 adhered to medical advice and refrained from indulging in the glycerine-laced treats again, avoiding similar symptoms.
However, one child did not follow the doctor’s recommendations and again developed the symptoms within an hour after drinking another slush.