As parents, we are constantly striving to provide for our children’s health, both physically and spiritually. We are tasked with guiding them through an environment that often promotes unhealthy habits, and this includes the rise in sugary drinks. While the allure of brightly colored slushies, frappuccinos, and energy drinks may seem harmless, research is showing their dangerous effects on children’s health.
In recent years, a study from University College Dublin has raised alarms about the link between frozen slushies and glycerol intoxication syndrome. This syndrome can cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, low blood sugar, and even unconsciousness. According to the report, 21 children in the UK and Ireland have been hospitalized for this condition after consuming slushies in the last six years. Most of these children recovered quickly, but the case highlights a growing concern about the safety of such drinks for children. “The food and drinks landscape for children has changed vastly from when we were young, with very high sugar drinks being completely normalised and made accessible to children and teenagers,” says Sarah Berry, a lecturer in nutritional sciences at King’s College London. She explains that “they see them all over social media, which adds to their appeal,” further cementing these drinks as part of children’s daily lives.
This issue is not just a medical one; it is a moral one as well. As Catholics, we are called to care for the bodies God has entrusted to us, and part of this responsibility includes ensuring that our children are not exposed to harmful substances. The Church teaches that we must consider the well-being of our bodies and, by extension, the bodies of our children. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The body is meant for the Lord, and the Lord for the body” (1 Corinthians 6:13). This passage calls us to be mindful of how we care for our bodies, which includes making wise choices about what we consume.
One of the most common sugary drinks consumed by children today is slushies, often marketed in bright, appealing colors and sweet flavors. These drinks are a significant source of sugar replacements like glycerol, which can pose a danger to children’s health. The Food Standards Agency recommends that children under the age of four should not consume slushies, and experts are now urging that the recommended age limit be raised to eight. Dr. Federica Amati, a nutritionist at Zoe, calls for more stringent regulations, advocating that it should be illegal to sell slushies to children under seven. “You see these brightly coloured drinks that we know are bad for children being sold in child-specific areas,” she notes, comparing this practice to how cigarettes are hidden behind counters to protect children from harmful substances. “It shouldn’t be allowed,” she asserts.
Similarly, frappuccinos, a popular choice for many children, contain high levels of sugar and saturated fats. A large caramel frappuccino from Starbucks contains 380 calories, 10 grams of saturated fat, 90 milligrams of caffeine, and 15 teaspoons of sugar. As Sarah Berry points out, this single drink exceeds a child’s recommended daily sugar intake, and consuming it in liquid form makes it easy to consume large amounts of calories before feeling full. “See these types of drinks as a large slice of cake — in other words, a once-a-week treat at most,” she advises. From a Catholic perspective, moderation is key. As parents, we are entrusted with guiding our children towards habits that align with a virtuous life, which includes the practice of temperance and making thoughtful choices about what they consume.
Energy drinks are another area of concern. According to a study published in BMJ Open, as many as one-third of children in the UK consume energy drinks every week. These drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and various stimulants that can have a detrimental impact on a child’s health. The combination of sugar, sweeteners, and caffeine creates a cycle of highs and lows, affecting children’s mood, alertness, and energy. Berry warns that the rapid sugar spike followed by a crash can lead to decreased energy and irritability. “What really concerns me is these drinks are often consumed in the morning and ahead of the school day,” she states, highlighting the negative effects on children’s ability to focus and thrive during the school day.
Bubble tea, a trendy drink that combines tea, milk, sweeteners, and chewy tapioca balls, is becoming increasingly popular among children. While there are some healthier options available, many bubble teas sold in shops are high in sugar and artificial flavors. Berry advises that bubble tea should be seen as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a child’s diet. She stresses that “what parents should be encouraging their children to drink is plenty of water, which is good for their mood, alertness and energy.”
As Catholic parents, we are called to raise our children with a strong sense of stewardship. Encouraging children to choose healthier drinks aligns with our responsibility to guide them toward making choices that respect their bodies and overall well-being. As Amati suggests, “a teaspoon of sugar is nothing compared to the slushies, the sodas, the soft drinks and the sweetened frappuccinos of the world, which have no place in our children’s diets.”
The most important advice we can offer our children is to focus on the natural sources of nourishment that God has provided for us. Water, milk, and occasional fruit juice are excellent options that contribute to health and well-being. By choosing these alternatives, we help our children grow in both physical and spiritual health, fostering habits that honor the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
In conclusion, as we guide our children through the complexities of modern life, we must remain vigilant about the health risks associated with sugary drinks. By educating ourselves and our children about the importance of good nutrition, we fulfill our responsibility to care for the bodies God has given us. It is a choice that reflects our Catholic values of stewardship, temperance, and care for the well-being of others.
Sources:
- University College Dublin study on glycerol intoxication syndrome.
- Sarah Berry, lecturer in nutritional sciences at King’s College London.
- Dr. Federica Amati, head nutritionist at Zoe.
- BMJ Open study on energy drinks and children.
