Dietetics

Glycerol intoxication syndrome in young children, following the consumption of slush ice drinks (2025)

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Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Brothwell, Shona Lc; Fitzsimons, Patricia E; Gerrard, Adam; Schwahn, Bernd C; Stockdale, Christopher; Bowron, Ann; Anderson, Mark; Hart, Claire E; Hannah, Romanie; Ritchie, Francesca; *Deshpande, Sanjeev A; Sreekantam, Srividya; Watts, Gemma; Yap, Sufin; Mundy, Helen; Veiraiah, Aravindan; Collins, Abigail; Cozens, Alison; Morris, Andrew A; Crushell, Ellen.

Citation:

Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2025 Mar 11. [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Slush ice drinks are commonly available refreshments, aimed at children and young people. Glycerol is used to maintain the slush effect in the absence of a high sugar content.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a series of children who became acutely unwell shortly after consuming a slush ice drink; their presentation mimics specific inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs).

METHODS: A retrospective case review of 21 children who presented to centres across the UK and Ireland from 2009 through 2024 was carried out.

RESULTS: Almost all of the children (93%) became unwell within 60 min of slush ice drink consumption. None had any relevant past medical history. The median age at presentation was 3 years 6 months (range 2 years – 6 years 9 months). Presenting features include acute decrease in consciousness (94%), hypoglycaemia (95%), metabolic (lactic) acidosis (94%), pseudohypertriglyceridaemia (89%) and hypokalaemia (75%). Glyceroluria was present in all acute urine organic acid samples. No underlying IMD was found in the 14 patients who underwent further enzymatic or genetic testing. The majority (95%) subsequently avoided slush ice drinks and did not have reoccurrence.

CONCLUSION: Consumption of slush ice drinks containing glycerol may cause a clinical syndrome of glycerol intoxication in young children, characterised by decreased consciousness, hypoglycaemia, lactic acidosis, pseudohypertriglyceridaemia and hypokalaemia. This mimics inherited disorders of gluconeogenesis and glycerol metabolism. Clinicians and parents should be alert to the phenomenon, and public health bodies should ensure clear messaging regarding the fact that younger children,
especially those under 8 years of age, should avoid slush ice drinks containing glycerol.

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Patient experiences of weight loss and eating after bariatric surgery: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis (2023)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):*Ansari M; Serjeant S

Citation:Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics. 36(4):1438-1450, 2023 Aug.

Abstract:Background: An estimated 26% of men and 29% of women in the UK are living with obesity according to recent statistics. Bariatric Surgery (BS) can induce significant weight loss and improve co-morbidity status. However previous studies highlight challenges in maintaining dietary changes and weight loss. This systematic review aimed to investigate patient experiences of weight loss and eating in the first two years following surgery, to provide clinical recommendations to support this group.Methods: Ethical approval was granted by the University. A systematic search was conducted in four databases. Studies were selected according to the predefined eligibility criteria and methodological quality, assessed via the CASP tool. Data were extracted and analysed using a thematic synthesis method. Rigour was enhanced via use of a data extraction tool, a validated method for data synthesis, peer-review and transparent reporting.Results: In total, 507 records were screened; nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The thematic synthesis yielded four, interlinked analytical themes based on 154 patients' experiences: relationship with food, relationship with oneself, relationship with others and unfinished journey. Positive experiences were reported including development of healthy eating behaviours and significant weight loss, improving physical and psychosocial wellbeing. On the other hand, challenges in adjusting to life after surgery were also reported.Conclusions: This study highlighted the need for personalised dietary advice, addressing the psychological aspects of eating. Support should be extended to the family. Ongoing psychological support must be incorporated in the post-surgery care pathway to help patients deal with the negative outcomes of surgery such as excess skin.

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Evaluation of the Head and Neck Cancer Patient Concerns Inventory in routine multidisciplinary Speech and Language Therapy/Dietetics follow up clinics (2021)

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Type of publication:
Poster presentation

Author(s):
*Zuydam AC , *Lowe D, *Rogers SN, *McLaughlin K, *Glaister C, *Burch L

Citation:
Preseted at BAHNO 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting Friday 14th May 2021

Link to full poster [PDF, no password required]