Does Your Child Love Slushies? Here’s Why You Should Avoid Them for Children Under 8

Slushy iced drinks are a great way to beat the scorching summer heat, and children, especially, love them because of their bright colours and varied flavours. However, researchers from the UK and Ireland have advised that children under 8 should strictly avoid these drinks owing to a harmful ingredient that can significantly affect their health. Read to know more.  

The Hidden Ingredient: Glycerol (E422)

Slushy iced drinks contain glycerol, a sweetening agent used in flavoured drinks to maintain their slushy texture and prevent them from freezing into solid. Excessive consumption of glycerol can prove to be harmful, especially for small children as it can lead to glycerol intoxication. 

Researchers at University College Dublin assessed the reports of 21 children (lying in the age group of 2 to 7 years) from the UK and Ireland, who fell ill after having slushies. Most of the cases took place between 2018 and 2024. 

The peer reviewed medical review which has been published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood Journal suggested that the children presented with symptoms like lightheadedness, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), lactic acidosis (excessive lactate buildup), and hypokalaemia (low potassium levels). 

Earlier, two countries had advised that children under 4 should not consume slushies but now the age limit has been increased to 8 after recent findings which suggest that it could cause glycerol intoxication. 

Researchers also added that there are no health benefits to this drink, and it is not recommended as part of a balanced meal. Hence it is advisable to look for healthier alternatives like smoothies that are filling, nutritious and perfect to escape the summer heat.