Story at-a-glance
- Glycerol, a common additive in sugar-free slushie drinks, can trigger severe medical symptoms in young children, including unconsciousness, seizures and dangerously low blood sugar
- A study across the U.K. and Ireland found that nearly all affected children became sick within an hour of consuming slushies, with no prior health issues or underlying medical conditions
- Symptoms mirrored rare metabolic disorders, confusing emergency responders and delaying proper treatment, despite the cause being an ingredient found in a popular children's beverage
- Glycerol exposure caused measurable metabolic disruption, including low blood sugar, acid buildup in the blood, low potassium and high triglyceride levels unrelated to fat intake
- Avoiding slush ice drinks completely eliminated the problem in nearly all of the children, making removal of this one product a powerful step for parents looking to protect their child's health
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