Are slushies with glycerol harmful for kids?

Summer season is nearly right here, so chances are you’ll wish to bask in all issues chilly. Aside from chilled water, slushies could also be your go-to summer time beverage. The semi-frozen, ice-based beverage made by mixing crushed ice with sugary syrups, fruit juices, or synthetic flavourings can assist to beat the warmth. It isn’t simply widespread amongst adults, however children additionally adore it. Nevertheless, in case your baby is underneath 8, make sure that to not give your baby this beverage. The glycerol in slushies, that are excessive in sugar, and low in vitamins, might make your baby ailing, in accordance with a brand new examine.

Glycerol in slushies: What does the examine say?

Kids, aged lower than 8, ought to fully keep away from slushies containing glycerol, in accordance with a examine printed within the Archives of Illness in Childhood in March 2025. This conclusion was made after researchers reviewed the circumstances of 21 children, aged lower than 8. They fell ailing inside an hour of getting the chilled beverage. In keeping with the researchers, the youngsters had “glycerol intoxication syndrome.” About 94 p.c of the children skilled a drop in consciousness, 95 p.c of them had extraordinarily low blood sugar stage, and 94 p.c of them ended up with a buildup of acid of their physique.

Even the UK’s Present Meals Requirements Company has warned towards consumption of the beverage by youngsters underneath 5.

What’s glycerol?

It’s a naturally occurring, colourless, and odourless compound typically used as a meals additive and humectant, which is a substance that retains moisture. It’s derived from plant oils or animal fat, and is added to frozen drinks like slushies to forestall the formation of ice crystals and keep a easy texture. “Categorised as a sugar alcohol, it supplies 4 energy per gram, just like carbohydrates,” says nutritionist Haripriya. N.

It helps in retaining water within the physique, which is why it’s typically utilized in hydration drinks for athletes. Drinks with glycerol can improve and keep hydration standing, and will enhance efficiency throughout train, as per an evaluation printed in Vitamin Critiques in 2009.

Glycerol in slushies: Why is it dangerous for kids?

Right here’s how glycerol in slushies could be unhealthy for youths:

1. Glycerol intoxication

“In youngsters, particularly these with decrease physique weight and creating organs, glycerol in slushies can result in glycerol intoxication,” says neonatologist and paediatrician Dr Abhishek Chopra.

It may trigger well being issues like:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Complications
• Confusion
• Fatigue

2. Imbalance in physique fluids

“Glycerol in slushies acts as a diuretic, which implies it will possibly simply draw water from the physique into the intestines,” says Dr Chopra. This will result in dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance, which is the lack of important minerals like potassium and sodium.

3. Influence on kidney perform

Glycerol in slushies can put additional strain on the kidneys to course of and remove extra fluids. “Since youngsters’s kidneys are nonetheless creating, this may result in pressure on the kidneys,” says Dr Chopra. There could also be a threat of kidney dysfunction as nicely.

4. Impacts digestive well being

The glycerol in slushies can negatively have an effect on youngsters’s digestive well being. It may trigger bloating, diarrhea, and belly ache in actually younger children. “Their digestive well being might get impacted, as youngsters’s digestive methods battle to interrupt down sugar alcohols successfully,” says Haripriya.

5. Blood sugar fluctuations

Glycerol in slushies doesn’t spike blood sugar like common sugar. “It may nonetheless contribute to insulin resistance and weight acquire if consumed incessantly,” says Haripriya. So, go for pure, fruit-based slushies with no added sugar or synthetic components.

How a lot slushy is secure to eat?

The secure quantity of slushy consumption relies on the elements and age group, particularly for kids.

• For kids (underneath 8 years): Glycerol in slushies is a giant no, as it will possibly disrupt hydration ranges and trigger nausea. “If you wish to give your baby a slushy, restrict to 100-150 ml (half a cup) of a pure, fruit-based slushy with out added sugar or synthetic flavours,” says Haripriya. Nonetheless, it ought to be consumed often, no more than 1-2 instances every week.
• For older youngsters: As much as 200-250 ml (one small cup) of a low-sugar, pure slushy could be safely consumed. Even they need to keep away from frequent consumption of business slushies as a consequence of excessive sugar and synthetic components.
• For adults: “As much as 300-350 ml, which is one commonplace cup of a wholesome, home made slushy is secure,” says Haripriya. Glycerol in slushies or those with synthetic colors, and added syrups ought to be taken as little as potential.

Slushies could be made at house with pure fruit puree, coconut water, mint, and lemon. “Use pure sweeteners like honey or dates as a substitute of refined sugar. Additionally, add chia seeds or basil seeds for fibre and hydration,” suggests Haripriya.

Glycerol in slushies is usually used to forestall the formation of ice crystals within the chilled beverage. Nevertheless, it will possibly make youngsters, particularly underneath 8, actually sick. It may disrupt hydration ranges, trigger nausea, and complications. If you’re craving a slushy, go for a home made model with contemporary fruit, and pure sweeteners.