Many people, both young and old, really enjoy slushies – those cold, icy drinks.
However, it’s important to know that slushies can be dangerous, and there have been warnings from authorities to parents about giving slushies to their kids. This comes after two children almost died from drinking these sugary treats.
In one case, a four-year-old boy named Albie became unresponsive after having a slushy from a school event, according to a report from DailyMail. Similarly, another incident occurred a few days later, where a three-year-old named Angus suddenly collapsed at a mall after trying a slushy for the first time.
Doctors in both cases pointed to an ingredient called glycerol, which is found in these child-friendly drinks. Glycerol, also known as E422, is what gives slushies their desired texture.
While glycerol is mildly toxic to humans, it usually doesn’t pose a threat to adults or older kids because the amounts consumed are relatively small. However, for younger children with much smaller body weights, even a small amount of glycerol can lead to a serious health emergency.
Mild symptoms of glycerol intoxication include headaches and vomiting. But in more severe cases, it can cause shock, where the body’s circulatory system starts to fail, depriving vital organs of the oxygen they need to function properly. Signs of shock include pale, cold, clammy skin, sweating, rapid or shallow breathing, weakness or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, extreme thirst, and yawning.
Another effect of glycerol intoxication is hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to fits and loss of consciousness.
Both shock and hypoglycemia are serious and can be life-threatening. They require urgent medical attention, so it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be cautious about giving slushies to young children.