The hidden dangers of a little-known ingredient in one of children's favourite drinks have been revealed after an alarming warning from health experts.
Called glycerol, this super-sweet substance is a common ingredient in drinks 'slushy'—those cold, brightly colored drinks often sold in movie theaters and convenience stores.
But doctors have warned that these drinks could cause a potentially deadly condition called 'drunkenness syndrome' to some children.
Experts explain that this sweetener can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels within minutes, with fatal consequences.
How dangerous is glycerol for children?
A drink 350ml—as little as a can of Coca-Cola—is enough to cause problems in children under four years old.
While for children aged five to ten years old, one and a half such drinks can have serious effects, especially if consumed quickly.
Recent alarming cases
Yesterday, doctors blamed 'slushy' drinks for 21 cases of hospitalizations of children who needed medical care within one hour after their consumption.
Last year, these drinks were responsible for endangering the lives of two children aged three and four.
How does glycerol act on children's bodies?
Also known as E422 ose glycerol, this ingredient is used to prevent 'slushy' drinks from freezing.
Once swallowed, it absorbs a lot of water and sugar from the blood, before being processed by liver and kidneys.
This sudden loss of fluids and sugar can cause serious and potentially fatal reactions in young children.
In adults, the amounts of glycerol in these drinks are too small to cause problems, as their bodies can process it more quickly.
But the smaller bodies of children they can't handle this sudden concentration, causing dangerous build-up of the substance in the body.
Symptoms of danger from glycerol
In some cases, children may experience bodymate, where the circulatory system fails, leaving vital organs without enough oxygen.
Signs of shock include:
Does genetics play a role?
Some scientists suspect that some children may have a genetic mutation, which makes glycerol much more toxic to them.
How much glycerol do 'slushy' drinks contain?
According to Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom, most 'slushy' drinks contain around 16g glycerol per glass.
But there is not one. maximum legally required quantities that manufacturers must respect.
Most brands they do not declare the amount of glycerol on their labels.
British authorities do not recommend these drinks for children under four years old. and suggest a limit of one drink per day for children from five to ten years old.
Experts' warning
A new study warned that consuming 'slushy' drinks with glycerol "may cause a clinical syndrome of glycerol intoxication in young children".
Experts require that:
Researchers also point out that the amount of glycerol in a drink can be different, making it difficult to determine a safe dose.
Brands like Slush Puppie have already removed glycerin from their products., after these warnings.
Glycerol is also found in products such as pre-cooked pasta, rice and cereals, but in much smaller quantities, posing no risk to children.
conclusion
Experts emphasize: "There is no nutritional benefit from these drinks and they are not recommended as part of a balanced diet." /GazetaExpress/
edition
t7 live
