A recent study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood highlights severe health risks associated with sugar-free slushie drinks in young children. The research examined 21 cases from the UK and Ireland, involving children with an average age of three years and six months, who became ill shortly after consuming these beverages. Shockingly, one child experienced a seizure, prompting emergency pediatricians to suspect a metabolic disorder and refer the children for genetic testing.
The study uncovered alarming health effects among the children who drank the slushies. Nearly all participants, 94%, experienced a drop in consciousness, while 95% suffered from dangerously low blood sugar levels. Additionally, 94% of the children developed a buildup of acid in their bodies. Dr. Ellen Crushell, a metabolic pediatrician at Children's Health in Dublin and one of the study's authors, highlighted the risks posed by glycerol, a common ingredient in sugar-free slushies.
"High levels of glycerol caused a toxic phenomenon in children called glycerol intoxication syndrome." – Dr. Ellen Crushell
The Food Standards Scotland and Food Standards Agency already advise against selling these drinks to children aged four years or younger. Dr. Crushell emphasized the importance of parental vigilance, urging parents to monitor their children for symptoms such as drowsiness, reduced consciousness, slurred speech, nausea, or general sickness after consuming a slushie.
"If parents suspect that their child is becoming unwell, the first thing they should do is to stop them from drinking any more of the drink." – Dr. Ellen Crushell
Dr. Crushell further advised parents to provide something sugary to eat and seek medical attention if a child exhibits any adverse reactions. She noted that while not all icy drinks contain glycerol, it is most commonly present in sugar-free varieties. The study, which focused on children in the UK and Ireland, underscores a broader concern given the popularity of slushie drinks worldwide.
"Slush ice drinks have contained a lot of glycerol instead of sugar in recent years due to the increased demand for sugar-free food," – Dr. Ellen Crushell
In the United States, frozen drink sales, including slushies, are projected to exceed $6 billion in 2024, according to Cognitive Market Research. This trend raises questions about the potential health impacts on young consumers across different regions.
"The main takeaway is that slush ice drinks do not convey any health benefits to children, whether they're full of sugar or glycerol." – Dr. Ellen Crushell
