Study Finds Potential Health Risks Linked to Popular Frozen Summer Drink for Children

A widely enjoyed summer treat may pose hidden risks to children’s health, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at University College Dublin.

The investigation reviewed the cases of 21 children who experienced health issues between 2009 and 2024 after consuming slush ice drinks. Notably, most of these children had no prior medical conditions and began showing symptoms within an hour of consumption.

Illness Reports and Symptoms

The affected children, aged between 2 and 6 years, received medical attention in both the U.K. and Ireland. Their symptoms included a significant decrease in consciousness, hypoglycaemia, metabolic acidosis, pseudohypertriglyceridaemia, and hypokalaemia. These findings were detailed in a study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Lead author Ellen Crushell, a pediatrician at Children’s Health Ireland and a clinical professor at University College Dublin, shared insights into the severity of the cases. She indicated that the children had alarmingly low blood sugar levels and high lactate levels in their blood, with one child even experiencing a seizure.

Effects of Glycerol in Slush Drinks

The study suggested that these health incidents may be linked to glycerol, a common sweetening agent used in slush ice drinks. When the children fell ill, they displayed high glycerol levels in their blood and urine. Remarkably, these levels returned to normal as they recovered, although all the children required hospitalization and intravenous fluids for treatment.

Researchers raised concerns about glycerol, which has become a more frequent sugar substitute in recent years. Crushell emphasized that large doses of glycerol can pose risks, especially for small children.

Previous Medical Literature Lacks Documentation

Interestingly, the sudden onset of illness related to slush drinks had not appeared in prior medical literature, indicating a significant gap in understanding the potential dangers associated with these beverages.

Limitations of the Research

The researchers acknowledged certain limitations within the study. They pointed out the relatively small number of cases examined, stating that their focus was primarily on the most severely affected children who sought emergency care. This raises questions about the potential number of children who might experience less severe symptoms.

Another limitation involved the unknown quantities of glycerol present in various slush drinks consumed by the children. Determining the specific levels of glycerol that could trigger adverse reactions remains a challenge.

Guidance for Parents and Caregivers

Crushell also mentioned that slush ice drinks do not provide any health benefits for children and should not be promoted as part of a balanced diet. In light of the findings, both the UK Food Standards Agency and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have issued guidelines discouraging slush ice drink consumption for children aged four and younger. For children aged five and above, moderation is advised.

Crushell provided further recommendations for parents, suggesting that the use of slush ice machines at home should be closely monitored. Parents should carefully read syrup ingredient labels for glycerol and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe consumption.

Future Directions and Policy Implications

Researchers hope that these findings will encourage the development of new policies and guidance concerning glycerol ingestion, which may be crucial for ensuring children’s safety.

As the summer season approaches, awareness about these potential dangers will become increasingly vital. Monitoring children’s consumption of popular frozen drinks can help prevent adverse health outcomes and ensure a safer experience with summertime treats.

Ongoing Communication with Health Authorities

In an effort to raise awareness, Fox News Digital sought comments from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and a prominent manufacturer of slush drinks, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue about the safety of these popular beverages.

As the discussion continues, parents, caregivers, and health professionals must remain vigilant in understanding the implications of this research and prioritizing children’s well-being when it comes to dietary choices.