Parents need to beware.
A recent study has raised concerns about the potential dangers of sugar-free slushies that contain glycerol, a sugar alcohol used to preserve the slush’s icy texture. Published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, the research found that children aged 7 and younger who consumed these slushies experienced severe health effects within an hour. Symptoms included a significant drop in blood sugar, decreased alertness, and a dangerous buildup of acid in the blood. This condition, known as “glycerol intoxication syndrome,” impacted 21 children in the U.K. and Ireland between 2018 and 2024, with most cases resulting in serious illness.
Glycerol is commonly found in a variety of food items, such as sugar-free candies, protein bars, and diet drinks. In slushies, it is often used as a substitute for sugar to maintain the icy consistency without adding extra sugar. This approach has gained popularity in regions like the U.K. and Ireland, where sugar taxes have pushed manufacturers to lower sugar levels. However, the study showed that many children who consumed sugar-free slushies experienced dangerous blood sugar drops, with one child even suffering a seizure.
The research team, led by metabolic disease consultant Ellen Crushell, emphasized that young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of glycerol due to their smaller body size and developing metabolism. They also urged healthcare professionals and parents to be more cautious about the risks of glycerol in these beverages. In response to the findings, food regulators in the U.K. and Ireland have recommended that children under 4 avoid slushies containing glycerol, and that children under 10 limit themselves to just one slushy.
Despite these recommendations, experts noted that more information is needed regarding the glycerol content in slushies, as this can vary significantly. Other factors, such as how quickly the slushy is consumed or whether it is eaten on an empty stomach, can also influence the impact of glycerol on children’s health. The researchers cautioned that current guidelines might not be enough, especially when glycerol concentrations are not clearly labeled on packaging.
Although glycerol is considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the study suggests that stricter measures should be taken, particularly for young children. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness, clearer labeling, and more research into the potential risks of glycerol in children’s food products.
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