Stool Color
Stool color is an important diagnostic indicator reflecting nutrition, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and intestinal function. Normally, the color ranges from light brown to dark brown, due to the presence of the pigment stercobilin — a bilirubin metabolism product.
Deviations from the norm may indicate the following conditions:
- Light yellow (clay-colored): possible with bile flow obstruction, liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis), bile duct blockage, or high fat intake.
- Green: occurs with accelerated intestinal transit (diarrhea), consumption of green vegetables, antibiotics or iron supplements, and intestinal infections.
- Black: may indicate digested blood (gastrointestinal bleeding), iron or bismuth medication intake, or consumption of blueberries or prunes.
- Red: fresh blood in stool may occur with hemorrhoids, anal fissures, colitis, or tumors in the lower intestines. The color may also be affected by beets or food dyes.
- Orange: may be related to intake of carotene-rich foods (carrots, pumpkin) or disorders of fat and pigment metabolism.
- White (decolorized): characteristic of bile flow disorders, intake of contrast agents for X-rays, or bile duct obstruction.
Stool color can change due to physiological reasons (diet features), but persistent or sharp changes require medical attention and consultation.