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Sports drinks improve bowel preparation compliance and quality in autistic children: A randomized controlled trial

Ziyun Pan1, Xinrong Liu1, Xianli Wen1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|January 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Using sports drinks to dissolve polyethylene glycol (PEG) significantly improved bowel preparation compliance and acceptability in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This child-friendly method enhanced preparation quality and reduced adverse events without safety concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Clinical Trial Research

Background:

  • Bowel preparation is crucial for pediatric procedures.
  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a common laxative, but palatability can be an issue.
  • Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have unique challenges with medication adherence and sensory experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if sports drinks improve compliance, bowel preparation, and acceptability of PEG in children with ASD.
  • To compare PEG in sports drinks versus water for efficacy and safety.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized trial involving 60 children with ASD.
  • Participants received PEG mixed with sports drinks (experimental group) or water (control group).
  • Outcomes measured included compliance, bowel preparation quality (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale), enema use, safety (glucose, electrolytes), adverse events, and caregiver-reported tolerance.

Main Results:

  • The sports drink group showed significantly higher compliance (83.3% vs. 60.0%) and better bowel preparation scores (BBPS).
  • Adequate preparation was achieved in 96.7% of the sports drink group compared to 66.7% in the control group.
  • Fewer enemas and adverse events were reported in the sports drink group, with no safety concerns or abnormal lab values.

Conclusions:

  • Sports drinks as a solvent for PEG significantly enhance compliance, bowel preparation, and acceptability in children with ASD.
  • This approach offers a practical, child-friendly strategy for improving bowel preparation in this population.
  • The method is safe and well-tolerated, addressing a key challenge in pediatric care for ASD patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
acceptabilitycolon cleansingpatient adherencepediatric colonoscopypolyethylene glycol

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