Kids below 8 shouldn’t be given slushies, in accordance with a brand new examine. The glycerol in slushies might result in low blood sugar and different well being issues.
Summer time is sort of right here, so chances are you’ll wish to take pleasure 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 will help to beat the warmth. It isn’t simply in style amongst adults, however youngsters additionally like it. Nonetheless, in case your baby is below 8, be sure 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 utterly 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 youngsters, aged lower than 8. They fell ailing inside an hour of getting the chilled beverage. In response to the researchers, the kids had “glycerol intoxication syndrome.” About 94 p.c of the youngsters skilled a drop in consciousness, 95 p.c of them had extraordinarily low blood sugar degree, 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 in opposition to consumption of the beverage by youngsters below 5.
What’s glycerol?
It’s a naturally occurring, colourless, and odourless compound usually 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. “Categorized as a sugar alcohol, it supplies 4 energy per gram, much like carbohydrates,” says nutritionist Haripriya. N.
It helps in retaining water within the physique, which is why it’s usually 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 Diet Opinions in 2009.
Glycerol in slushies: Why is it dangerous for youngsters?
Right here’s how glycerol in slushies will be dangerous for youths:
1. Glycerol intoxication
“In youngsters, particularly these with decrease physique weight and growing organs, glycerol in slushies can result in glycerol intoxication,” says neonatologist and paediatrician Dr Abhishek Chopra.
It could trigger well being issues like:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Complications
- Confusion
- Fatigue
2. Imbalance in physique fluids
“Glycerol in slushies acts as a diuretic, which suggests it could 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 further stress on the kidneys to course of and remove extra fluids. “Since youngsters’s kidneys are nonetheless growing, this will result in pressure on the kidneys,” says Dr Chopra. There could also be a danger of kidney dysfunction as properly.
4. Impacts digestive well being
The glycerol in slushies can negatively have an effect on youngsters’s digestive well being. It could trigger bloating, diarrhea, and stomach ache in actually younger youngsters. “Their digestive well being might get impacted, as youngsters’s digestive methods wrestle to interrupt down sugar alcohols successfully,” says Haripriya.
5. Blood sugar fluctuations
Glycerol in slushies doesn’t spike blood sugar like common sugar. “It could nonetheless contribute to insulin resistance and weight achieve if consumed steadily,” 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 will depend on the components and age group, particularly for youngsters.
- For kids (below 8 years): Glycerol in slushies is a giant no, as it could 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 must be consumed sometimes, no more than 1-2 occasions per week.
- For older youngsters: As much as 200-250 ml (one small cup) of a low-sugar, pure slushy will be safely consumed. Even they need to keep away from frequent consumption of economic 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, selfmade slushy is secure,” says Haripriya. Glycerol in slushies or those with synthetic colors, and added syrups must be taken as little as potential.
Slushies will be made at residence 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 often used to forestall the formation of ice crystals within the chilled beverage. Nonetheless, it could possibly make youngsters, particularly below 8, actually sick. It could disrupt hydration ranges, trigger nausea, and complications. In case you are craving a slushy, go for a selfmade model with recent fruit, and pure sweeteners.
Associated FAQs
Is glycerol faux sugar?
No, glycerol is just not a faux sugar. It’s a sugar alcohol, however not the identical as synthetic sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin. It’s generally used as a thickening agent, preservative, and sweetener in meals and drinks like slushies, ice cream, and baked items.
Does milk include glycerol?
No, pure milk doesn’t include glycerol. It’s a nutrient-rich liquid that primarily comprises water, proteins like casein and whey, fat, carbohydrates, and minerals like calcium.
