Children under eight should avoid drinking slushies, doctors warn

Researchers are urging health authorities to revise guidance after studying cases of children aged two to seven needing emergency treatment from consuming slushy ice drinks containing glycerol. These brightly colored drinks, popular among children, replace sugar with glycerol to maintain a slushy texture. Concerns include glycerol intoxication causing severe reactions like shock and hypoglycemia. Although most children recovered, doctors warn of potential risks even for those not needing hospitalization. Experts recommend clearer age-based guidelines due to the difficulty in estimating safe glycerol doses by weight. Parents are advised to avoid giving slushies to young children until at least age eight. Click here to read more.