A groundbreaking study has uncovered a concerning link between glycerol-containing slush drinks and sickness in young children. Researchers from Ireland and the UK collaborated to investigate cases of illness following the consumption of these icy beverages. The findings, published in the British Medical Journal’s Archives of Disease in Childhood, have prompted health authorities to issue guidelines for parents regarding their children's intake of such drinks. Manufacturers often use glycerol as an alternative to high sugar levels to maintain the slushy texture, making these products particularly appealing to children.

According to Professor Ellen Crushell, Metabolic Pediatrician at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Temple Street, glycerol intoxication syndrome can develop in young children after consuming these drinks. This condition, rarely documented in medical literature until now, poses significant risks. The research involved 21 children across the UK and Ireland who exhibited symptoms shortly after drinking slush beverages. These included altered states of consciousness, dangerously low blood sugar with elevated lactic acid levels, and traces of glycerol detected in urine samples. Further tests ruled out underlying genetic metabolic disorders as the cause of their symptoms.

The children required emergency treatment involving intravenous glucose and fluids but eventually recovered well. In response to these findings, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) issued recommendations advising against the consumption of glycerol-based slush drinks by children under four years old due to potential side effects like headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Older children should limit their intake to one drink per day.

However, the researchers suggest that these guidelines could be expanded. Since the study focused only on severe cases referred to specialist services, there may be milder cases where hospitalization was unnecessary. Professor Crushell advocates extending the non-consumption guidance to children under eight years old to account for variations in body weight. Additionally, she emphasizes the need for transparency about glycerol dosage in these beverages.

Dr. Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead for the HSE’s Child Health Public Health Programme, highlights that regardless of their composition, all slush drinks offer no health benefits and do not contribute positively to a child’s diet at any age.

In light of this research, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to remain vigilant about the types of beverages they allow children to consume. Awareness of the potential risks associated with glycerol-laden slush drinks can help protect young ones from avoidable health complications.