Can I eat butterscotch hard candy before a colonoscopy?

Butterscotch Hard Candy Before Colonoscopy

Hard butterscotch candy is allowed prior to colonoscopy as it is considered a clear liquid, but should only be consumed during the clear liquid diet phase of preparation and not within 2 hours of the procedure. 1

Understanding Colonoscopy Preparation Guidelines

The US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer provides specific recommendations regarding diet before colonoscopy:

• A low-residue diet is acceptable until the evening before colonoscopy, followed by clear liquids 2
• Clear liquids are permitted until 2 hours before the procedure 2, 1
• Hard candies like butterscotch are classified as clear liquids because they dissolve completely and don't contain fiber or residue

What Qualifies as Clear Liquids

Clear liquids permitted during colonoscopy preparation include:

• Water
• Clear broths
• Coffee or tea (without milk/cream)
• Clear juices (apple, white grape)
• Clear soft drinks
• Sports drinks
• Hard candies (including butterscotch)
• Gelatin (which is positively associated with better bowel preparation) 3

Timing Considerations

The timing of when you can consume butterscotch candy depends on your preparation schedule:

• If following a split-dose preparation (recommended approach):

  • You can have butterscotch candy during the clear liquid phase
  • Stop all clear liquids, including hard candy, at least 2 hours before your procedure 2, 1

• If you have an early morning procedure:

  • You can still have butterscotch candy as part of your clear liquid diet the day before
  • Follow your doctor's instructions about when to stop all intake before the procedure

Why Diet Matters for Colonoscopy

Proper bowel preparation is crucial for a successful colonoscopy:

• Adequate preparation allows for visualization of the entire colon
• Poor preparation can lead to missed lesions and need for repeat procedures
• The target rate for adequate bowel preparation is at least 90% 1

Research shows that diet restrictions beyond one day before colonoscopy don't improve outcomes when using split-dose preparation regimens 3, 4, 5, 6. What matters most is following the clear liquid diet during the final preparation phase.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Timing errors: Don't consume any clear liquids, including hard candy, within 2 hours of your procedure due to aspiration risk

2. Confusion about what's allowed: Some patients mistakenly avoid all food/candy when clear liquids are permitted

3. Color considerations: While butterscotch is acceptable, avoid red, purple, or blue-colored candies as they can stain the colon and be confused with blood

4. Special risk factors: If you have risk factors for poor bowel preparation (diabetes, constipation, opioid use, etc.), follow any additional instructions from your doctor 2, 1

Remember that proper bowel preparation is essential for a high-quality colonoscopy that can effectively detect polyps and other abnormalities. Following your doctor's specific instructions, including when you can consume clear liquids like butterscotch candy, will help ensure optimal results.