Health Experts Advise No Slushies For Children Under Eight

Parents often weigh the pros and cons of the treats they share with their little ones. From sugary cereals to fizzy sodas, it’s not always easy to spot which snacks come with hidden risks.

A recent health alert has spotlighted one particularly eye-catching favorite: slushies. Those bright, icy drinks that kids beg for at the cinema or amusement park may contain an ingredient that, in high amounts, can send a child to the emergency department.

Slushies owe their smooth, semi-frozen texture to glycerol, a common food additive that prevents them from freezing solid. In most cases, glycerol poses no harm; when used in small doses, it helps keep the drink slushy rather than rock-hard.

However, a new review of 21 cases involving two-to-seven-year-olds in the UK and Ireland shows that too much glycerol can trigger severe symptoms within an hour of drinking. All 21 children needed urgent medical care after consuming slushies.

Many lost consciousness and exhibited signs of low blood sugar and high acidity in their blood. Four of them required brain scans to rule out more severe damage, and one child even experienced a seizure. While these incidents are rare, they highlight a risk most parents wouldn’t expect from a brightly colored drink.

New warnings advise children under eight to skip slushies.

Current guidance from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends that children under four should avoid slushies altogether. For kids between four and ten, the advice is to limit intake to one slushy per outing. Parents might assume that these limits are set in stone, but some experts believe they need tightening.

“There’s definitely an argument for raising the minimum age,” says Rebecca Sudworth, director of policy at the FSA. She explains that increasing the age limit could discourage younger children from drinking slushies and reduce the chances of glycerol overload.

Sudworth adds, “We continue to strongly encourage parents to follow our advice, which is that slushie drinks should not be given to children under four years old. Retailers are also advised to make parents fully aware of this guidance.”Getty Stock Photo

The main concern is that glycerol can lead to shock, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness. While most children recover quickly once treated, the sudden onset of symptoms can be frightening and, in some situations, dangerous.

The study documenting these cases appears in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, and it serves as a wake-up call to both parents and retailers.

The Hidden Dangers of Slushies

Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a renowned nutritionist, emphasizes that the high sugar content in slushies can lead to various health issues in children, including obesity and dental problems. He notes that consuming sugary beverages can impact children’s overall health and energy levels, making them more susceptible to mood swings and hyperactivity.

Additionally, the artificial colors and flavors often found in slushies can pose further risks. Dr. Fuhrman recommends opting for homemade alternatives using real fruit and natural sweeteners to create healthier, kid-friendly treats.

Slushies contain glycerol, which can make young children sick in just a few hours.

Dr. Sally Anne Wilson, chair of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s safer care committee, points out that many parents simply don’t realize glycerol is even in slushies. “As a parent, you want to make sensible decisions about what you buy your child,” she told BBC Breakfast. “If you’re not aware that there’s glycerol in the slushie and what that can do, then you’re not going to have any qualms about buying it.”

Dr. Wilson also notes that age-based guidelines aren’t foolproof. “Children’s weight can vary hugely,” she explains. “A drink that’s safe for a ten-year-old might be too much for a smaller six-year-old.”

This variability means that some kids might face risks even if they’re technically old enough to have a slushy under current rules.

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So what’s the takeaway for parents? First, check the ingredients list when you can. If glycerol is listed, think twice before handing over that icy cup.

Second, follow the FSA’s recommendations: keep slushies off the menu for children under four and limit older children to a single drink. Finally, talk to your local cinema or park concession stand about how they communicate these guidelines to families.

Slushies can still be an occasional treat, but a little extra caution goes a long way. By staying informed and sticking to sensible limits, parents can help ensure that a fun day out doesn’t end with an unexpected trip to A&E.

Health experts like Dr. Michael Greger advocate for increased awareness around the ingredients found in popular children's snacks, including slushies. His research highlights the dangers of excessive sugar consumption and its correlation with childhood diabetes rates. Understanding these risks is essential for parents.

To mitigate these health concerns, experts suggest engaging children in the kitchen. Teaching them to prepare healthier versions of their favorite treats, like homemade slushies using fresh fruit, can foster better eating habits and a deeper understanding of nutrition.

Overall, while slushies may seem like an innocent treat, they contain hidden ingredients that can adversely affect children's health. Experts agree that parents should be vigilant about what their children consume, particularly with sugary snacks. By opting for healthier alternatives and involving children in food preparation, families can cultivate better nutritional habits.

Moreover, educating children about the implications of their food choices empowers them to make healthier decisions in the future. It's about striking a balance between enjoyment and healthfulness in the treats we share.