Experts have warned that slushies (flavoured drinks made of syrup and crushed ice) containing the additive glycerol can make children below the age of eight very ill.
Examining the cases of 21 two- to seven-year-olds in the UK and Ireland, who required emergency care after drinking slushies, researchers found that drinks containing high levels of the naturally occurring sweetener can cause shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and even loss of consciousness if consumed too quickly.
Here, we take a look at what glycerol is, its potential side-effects, and the other foods that contain it.
What is glycerol and is it safe?
As mentioned, glycerol is a naturally occurring alcohol and sugar substitute that helps preserve and sweeten food, among other things.
It is also found in the intestines, attracting water to the gut, softening stools and relieving the symptoms of constipation.
When ingested, it can cause side-effects such as headaches, nausea, bloating, dizziness and diarrhoea.
Slushies are a popular summer drink that contain high levels of glycerol. (Getty Images)
On the skin, it can also cause redness and itching (it is found in certain skincare products and soaps).
In younger children, it has been found to lead to glycerol intoxication syndrome – as was the case with the instances above. Most of the children within the research lost consciousness and needed brain scans, and one child experienced a seizure. It also impacted their blood sugar levels and there were traces of high acidity in their blood.
While all the children were discharged from hospital and later made a full recovery, parents are now being told to avoid giving young children glycerol-filled slushies.
In small levels, glycerol is safe – and it is an extremely common food additive.
Eight other foods that have glycerol in them
Glycerol or glycerine is also found in tortilla wraps. (Getty Images)
Tortilla wraps
Most wraps from the supermarket contain small quantities of glycerol, which helps sweeten the bread product and acts as a preservative.
Chewing gum
Gum formulas also include find powder lecithin (a naturally occurring emulsifier) and glycerol triacetate, which although do not add to the flavour in any way, help stabilise the gum – meaning it softens after the initial bite and helps the gum blend in the mouth.
Icing
Typically found in royal icing, glycerol – or glycerine, as it is sometimes referred to commercially – adds shine to the cake decoration and prevents it from getting hard when it sets.
Cereal bars
Again, the levels of glycerol in cereal bars is low – but it is commonly found in most breakfast or granola bars. It acts as a preservative in this instance.
There are traces of glycerol in cereal bars, too. (Getty Images)
Condiments
Some sauces, salad dressing, jams and preserves contain glycerol. It adds sweetness to the mixture and ensures they don’t dry out. It can also improve the texture of the condiment.
Spices
Glycerol or glycerin is not naturally found in spices, but in some instances is added as a sweetener and humectant, to prevent them from drying out too much.
Ice cream
To prevent ice crystals forming in ice cream, small levels of glycerin is used to stabilise the mixture.
Canned foods
Mostly utilised in canned foods for its humectant qualities, glycerin also acts as a preservative, flavouring and colouring in canned foods.
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