A recent study warns that a popular summer treat may pose hidden risks to children’s health. Researchers at University College Dublin analyzed 21 cases of children falling ill between 2009 and 2024 after consuming a “slush ice drink.” The majority of these children, who did not have any preexisting medical conditions, became sick within an hour of consuming the drink. The patients, aged 2 to 6 years old, received medical treatment in the U.K. and Ireland. Symptoms included decreased consciousness, low blood sugar, lactic acid build-up in the bloodstream, falsely elevated triglycerides, and low potassium levels.
Lead author Ellen Crushell, a pediatrician at Children’s Health Ireland and a clinical professor at University College Dublin, explained that the children experienced low blood sugar levels, unconsciousness, high lactate levels, and glycerol in their blood and urine. These symptoms improved with treatment but required hospitalization and intravenous fluids. The researchers suggested that the glycerol in slush ice drinks might lead to a condition called glycerol intoxication.
While most children recovered after avoiding the drinks, the study had limitations, as it only included the most severely affected children. Crushell cautioned against the excessive consumption of glycerol, which is used in some slush ice drinks as a sugar substitute. The UK Food Standards Agency and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland advised against children under 5 consuming slush ice drinks containing glycerol, and recommended moderation for older children.
In conclusion, Crushell emphasized that slush ice drinks provide no health benefits and are not suitable for a balanced diet.
“Crushell recommended monitoring children in the household to ensure their safety. Parents and guardians should carefully check the ingredients of syrups used for making slush ices, looking for glycerol, and follow the manufacturer’s usage instructions. To read more health articles, please visit www.foxnews.com/health. The researchers are optimistic that the findings from this new study could influence the creation of updated policies and guidelines regarding glycerol consumption. Fox News Digital has reached out to both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and a major manufacturer of slush drinks for their comments on the matter. Source: Popular frozen drink linked to children’s illness, study finds.”
