Optimizing blue poo: A validated, cost-effective method for measuring whole gut transit time

IF 2.9 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

MethodsX Pub Date : 2026-06-01 Epub Date: 2025-11-26 DOI:10.1016/j.mex.2025.103741

Cyra Schmandt , Julia Trunz , Claudio Perret , Anneke Hertig-Godeschalk , Zeno Stanga , Jivko Stoyanov

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Abstract

Whole gut transit time (WGTT) provides essential insights into gastrointestinal health, but traditional measurement methods are often expensive or invasive. This study optimizes and validates the "blue dye method," an affordable and minimally invasive approach to WGTT measurement. Using "Hollinger Farbpulver Blau" (containing food colors E131 and E132), dye concentrations ranging from 30 mg to 241 mg were tested across four modes of delivery: capsule with liquid, gummy bear, muffin, and capsule with rice crackers and liquid. Each presented limitations: capsules taken with liquid led to inconsistent transit times, gummy bears caused staining, and muffins were perishable. Measured WGTTs varied between 18 and 29 h depending on the mode of delivery and dye concentration. Optimal protocol was a capsule containing 60 mg of dye taken with two rice crackers and liquid, ensuring accurate detection without practical inconveniences. The standardized and optimized blue dye method provides valid WGTT measurements, making it well suited for large-scale population studies and clinical applications.

Uses a simple blue dye as a marker for gut transit.

Tested several modes of delivery and concentrations to find the most practical option.

Established a standardized protocol for reliable and reproducible measurement.

Abstract Image

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优化蓝色粪便：一种有效的，具有成本效益的方法来测量整个肠道运输时间

全肠道传递时间（WGTT）提供了对胃肠道健康的重要见解，但传统的测量方法往往昂贵或具有侵入性。本研究优化并验证了“蓝色染料法”，这是一种经济实惠且微创的WGTT测量方法。使用“Hollinger Farbpulver Blau”（含有食用色素E131和E132），染料浓度从30毫克到241毫克，测试了四种递送模式：液体胶囊、小熊软糖、松饼胶囊和米饼和液体胶囊。每一种都有局限性：胶囊与液体一起服用会导致运输时间不一致，小熊软糖会引起染色，松饼容易变质。根据递送方式和染料浓度的不同，测得的wgtt在18至29小时之间变化。最佳方案为含60毫克染料的胶囊，用两个米饼和液体服用，确保准确检测而不带来实际不便。标准化和优化的蓝色染料方法提供了有效的WGTT测量，使其非常适合大规模人群研究和临床应用。用一种简单的蓝色染料作为肠道运输的标记。测试了几种给药方式和浓度，以找到最实用的选择。建立了可靠和可重复测量的标准化方案。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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