In this warmer weather, a slushie might seem like the perfect cool down for younger children – but research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that some children became acutely unwell shortly after consuming slush ice drinks containing glycerol (E422), a common ingredient in “sugar-free” products.
The clinical and biochemical features were similar in all of these children and included reduced consciousness, a sudden sharp drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), and a build-up of acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis).
Such symptoms, when they occur together, can indicate poisoning or inherited metabolic disorders, prompting further investigations.
Following the research and associated case review:
New precautionary guidance issued by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) says that children under 7 should not consume glycerol-containing slush drinks
Additional measures:
🍧 Limit portion sizes
🍧 Discourage refill promotions for children
🍧 Require better industry transparency on glycerol levels
Further clarification:
Children aged 7–10: limit to one 350 ml serving/day
This paper is a strong example of clinically grounded evidence triggering rapid public health policy change.
Published by BMJ Group, Archives of Disease in Childhood is an international peer review journal that aims to keep paediatricians and others up to date with advances in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood diseases as well as advocacy issues such as child protection. It focuses on all aspects of child health and disease from the perinatal period (in the Fetal and Neonatal edition) through to adolescence. ADC includes original research reports, commentaries, reviews of clinical and policy issues, and evidence reports. It is endorsed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) for Continued Professional Development in line with RCPCH CPD guidelines.
Archives of Disease in Childhood is the flagship of BMJ Group’s paediatrics portfolio and has an open access companion journal, BMJ Paediatrics Open: Paediatrics and Child Health at BMJ Paediatrics & Child Health
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