A little-known ingredient in a popular children’s drink has been linked to health risks, with experts warning it could cause serious illness in young kids.
The ingredient, glycerol, is commonly found in slushies—brightly colored, ice-cold drinks sold in cinemas and convenience stores. While widely used, doctors say it can lead to a dangerous condition known as ‘intoxication syndrome’ in children.
Studies reveal that just one 350ml serving—the same size as a standard can of soda—could be enough to cause issues in children under four. For those aged five to ten, drinking one and a half servings quickly may also be risky.
Medical experts have connected slushies to 21 hospital cases where children needed treatment within an hour of consumption. Last year, two children, aged three and four, were nearly killed after drinking slushies containing glycerol.
Also labeled as E422 or glycerine, glycerol is a type of sugar alcohol that helps prevent slushies from freezing solid. Once consumed, it pulls water and sugar from the bloodstream before being processed by the liver and kidneys.
This sudden drop in internal moisture and blood sugar can be dangerous for young children. While adults process glycerol quickly, children’s smaller bodies may struggle, leading to potential health risks.
Mild symptoms include headaches and nausea, but in severe cases, it can cause hypoglycemia—a condition linked to low blood sugar. Symptoms include dizziness, seizures, and, in extreme cases, coma.
It can also send the body into shock, where blood circulation fails to supply vital organs with oxygen. Signs of shock include cold, pale skin, rapid breathing, dizziness, and extreme thirst.
Some researchers suspect that certain children may have a genetic sensitivity to glycerol, making it even more harmful.
Food safety officials have advised against giving slushies with glycerol to children under four, and recommend limiting intake to one per day for kids aged five to ten. However, most slushie brands do not specify the exact amount of glycerol used.
Some companies have already started removing glycerol from their slushie recipes. Unlike slushies, other foods like pre-cooked pasta and cereal contain much smaller amounts, making them less of a concern for children’s health.