Doctors at Shanghai Children's Hospital in Trung Quoc recently issued a warning about a sharp increase in pediatric hyperuricemia cases. Doctor Khang Uc Lam, head of the Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, identified the primary cause as parents allowing their children to consume excessive amounts of sugary drinks with added chemical flavorings. Children's kidneys are still developing, making them vulnerable to serious damage when constantly processing large quantities of sweeteners and additives.

Tra sua tran chau is made from tea, milk, sweeteners, and tapioca pearls, often containing high levels of sugar and calories. Image created by AI

Further analyzing the disease mechanism, experts confirm that the fructose in these drinks promotes the liver's synthesis of purine, producing large amounts of uric acid. When the body cannot excrete it quickly enough, uric acid accumulates and damages the glomeruli (tiny filtering units in the kidneys). A 500 ml cup contains approximately 50-100 grams of sugar, far exceeding the daily safe standard for young children. This excess sugar creates an immense metabolic burden. Additionally, fatty acids metabolized from non-dairy creamer directly harm the glomerular filtration membrane, leading to proteinuria (protein in the urine). Even the high caffeine content overstimulates the nervous and excretory systems.

Damage to the blood-filtering organs often progresses silently, showing no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Children who consume a lot of sugar face an increased risk of chronic kidney failure or uremic syndrome if adults overlook warning signs. Doctor Vuong Binh, deputy head of the department, advises parents to immediately take their children for urine tests, blood glucose checks, and kidney function assessments if the child exhibits unusual thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or swelling.

Instead of a complete ban, experts suggest parents allow their children to consume bubble tea a maximum of one to two times each month. Adults should proactively request stores not to add sugar, omit accompanying sweet toppings like tapioca pearls, sweet potatoes, and red beans, and choose small-sized cups. Immediately after a child consumes sweets, parents should encourage them to drink plenty of water to promote excretion and increase physical activity to burn energy. Regular health check-ups, close monitoring of uric acid levels, maintaining adequate sleep habits, and weight management are key factors in keeping children's excretory systems healthy.

My Y (According to Sina)