Researchers are warning parents not to give children under the age of 7 sugar-free slushies made with glycerol, a common sugar substitute.
Sugar-free slushies containing glycerol, a sugar substitute, can have toxic effects on young children, a new study warns.
Researchers say these popular ice drinks can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels and metabolic imbalances in kids 7 and younger.
Their study included 21 children in the U.K. and Ireland… Almost all of them fell ill within an hour of drinking a slushie with glycerol.
Most were unconscious or semi-conscious by the time they arrived at the hospital. 20 had dangerously low blood sugar levels along with other metabolic symptoms, including low potassium, excessive lactic acid and high triglyceride levels.
Thankfully, all of the children recovered quickly after their blood sugar levels were stabilized.
The senior author says, “Healthcare professionals and parents should be aware that young children can become seriously unwell due to glycerol intoxication…”
The researchers say young kids may be more vulnerable because their small bodies and developing metabolism aren’t able to process the sugar alcohol efficiently.
Besides slushie drinks, glycerol is also used as a sugar substitute in protein bars and shakes, diet foods, dried fruit, chewing gum and sugar-free candy.
It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a food additive in the United States.
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Author Affiliations: Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Children's Health Ireland, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals University, Evelina London Children's Hospital, National Poisons Information Service, NHS, University College Dublin
Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Leave a Reply