From the Guidelines
No, you should not consume purple clear liquids during bowel preparation. Most bowel prep instructions specifically prohibit purple, red, and sometimes blue colored liquids because they can stain the colon and potentially be mistaken for blood or obscure the view during a colonoscopy 1. Acceptable clear liquids typically include:
- Water
- Clear broths
- Apple or white grape juice
- White cranberry juice
- Lemonade (without pulp)
- Clear sports drinks (like yellow Gatorade)
- Plain tea or coffee (without cream)
- Clear carbonated beverages
- Plain gelatin (not red or purple)
The purpose of bowel prep is to completely clean out your colon so the doctor can clearly see the intestinal lining during the procedure. Colored dyes in purple drinks can remain in the colon and interfere with this visibility, potentially leading to missed findings or the need to repeat the procedure. Although guidelines suggest that clear liquids may be taken after 2 hours prior to a procedure 1, it is essential to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider for your bowel preparation.
From the Research
Bowel Prep Liquid Options
- The provided studies do not specifically address the topic of purple clear liquids during bowel prep 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the use of clear liquids in conjunction with bowel prep solutions, such as polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solutions (PEG-ELSs) and sodium phosphate preparations 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- For example, a study published in 2002 found that patients who received oral sodium phosphate mixed with 300 mL of clear liquid and then consumed about 4-5 glasses of water had similar bowel cleansing results to those who received a polyethylene glycol solution 3.
- Another study published in 2004 found that patients who received two doses of sodium phosphate solution achieved better bowel preparation than those who received a single dose or polyethylene glycol solution, and that clear liquids were consumed in conjunction with the bowel prep solution 4.
- It is essential to note that the color of the liquid is not explicitly mentioned in the studies, and therefore, it is unclear if purple clear liquids are allowed or recommended during bowel prep.
Key Findings
- The studies suggest that clear liquids can be consumed during bowel prep, but the specific type and color of the liquid are not addressed 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Sodium phosphate preparations and PEG-ELSs are commonly used bowel prep solutions, and clear liquids are often consumed in conjunction with these solutions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Patient tolerance and acceptance of bowel prep solutions can vary, and factors such as the type of solution, volume, and consumption of clear liquids can influence these outcomes 3, 4, 5, 6.