Icy, garishly-coloured, slushie drinks have zero health benefits. In order to maintain their texture, some contain glycerol. A 'glycerol intoxication syndrome' has now been described in some young children consuming slushies. The victims, often had reduced consciousness and low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia). All documented, were between 2 and 8 years of age. Glycerol-containing slushies are not recommended for children under 4. In the light of these new observations, it's been suggested that children should be at least 8 before being exposed to them (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/12/under-eights-should-not-drink-slushies-containing-glycerol-say-doctors). It would actually be better if children avoided slushies entirely. None of their ingredients, except water, are unproblematic. Sugars can cause reactive hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels due to stimulating an insulin surge) and mainly dyes appear to alter behaviour. Slushies are also likely to encourage dental decay.
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