VIDEO: Doctor explains why children should not drink slushies
This sweet drink could cause serious health problems.
Now that the warmer months are rolling along, nothing hits the spot quite like a cold treat.
Ice-cream, lollies, and other cold snacks are some of the most enjoyable foods during the December holidays, especially if you are at the beach or next to the pool.
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While most of these are safe for children to consume in healthy amounts, one cold beverage should be avoided.
Slushies might seem like a fun and convenient drink while you are out shopping or at the movies, but they could lead to health problems in children.
Meghan Martin is a paediatric emergency room physician and a mom of four.
Known as Dr.Beachgem10 on social media, this medical professional uses her platform to educate others on her life as a doctor and provides information on various medical topics.
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From diseases to ER emergencies, she covers everything.
In one of her most popular videos, she says it is free slushy day in the United States, also called Free Slurpee Day, where 7-Eleven hands out free slushies.
She explains that while this might sound like a fun idea and a way to treat your kids, parents with children under the age of four should be warned.
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Slushies often contain glycerin and glycerol to keep them slushy and stop them from freezing completely.
When consumed in small amounts, this isn't much of a problem, but children under the age of four can have serious health problems if they consume too much.
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Watch the video below as she explains the effects these compounds can have on children:
While many might be wary of trusting a "social media doctor", various food regulatory departments worldwide have advised against selling slushies to children under four.
Food Standard Scotland writes: 'What are the symptoms of glycerol intoxication? FSS and the FSA are aware of two cases in Scotland, in 2021 and 2022, where children were hospitalised because of glycerol intoxication from excessive consumption of slush ice drinks. At very high levels of exposure – typically when several of these products are drunk by a child in a short space of time – glycerol intoxication could cause shock, hypoglycaemia and loss of consciousness.'
The NHS (National Health Service) in England also lists 'slush ice drinks' as a food that should not be given to babies and young children.
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