Stool Color Guide

Overview of Stool Colors

Stool color can provide important clues about your digestive health. Normal stool colors range from light brown to dark brown, but variations can occur due to diet, medications, or underlying health conditions.

⚠️ Medical Warning

Red or black stools may indicate the presence of blood and require immediate medical attention. If you experience these colors along with other symptoms like abdominal pain, dizziness, or weakness, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Disclaimer: This website provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.

Stool Color Reference Table

Color Meaning Possible Causes
Brown Normal, healthy stool Normal digestion, balanced diet
Green Usually normal, may indicate rapid transit Green vegetables, food coloring, rapid digestion
Yellow May indicate excess fat or infection Fat malabsorption, giardiasis, celiac disease
Red May indicate bleeding - seek medical attention Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, colon cancer, food coloring
Black May indicate upper GI bleeding - seek medical attention Iron supplements, bismuth, upper GI bleeding
White/Clay May indicate bile duct obstruction Bile duct blockage, liver disease, certain medications
Orange Usually harmless, often dietary Carrots, sweet potatoes, food coloring
Blue Rare, usually artificial coloring Food coloring, certain medications

Detailed Information by Color

Brown Stool

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Normal, healthy stool color indicating proper digestion and bile production.

  • Normal Conditions: Healthy digestive system with normal bile secretion and metabolism.
  • Balanced Diet: Consuming balanced nutrition including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
  • Adequate Hydration: Sufficient water intake helps digestion and bowel movements.
  • Dietary Factors: Whole wheat bread, brown rice and other fiber-rich foods.
  • Vegetables and Fruits: Various vegetables and fruits provide natural fiber.
  • Legumes: Legume foods are rich in dietary fiber.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Green Stool

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Often normal but can indicate rapid transit time or dietary factors.

  • Natural Chlorophyll: Green vegetables, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens.
  • Food Coloring: Artificial food dyes (e.g., green icing, candies).
  • Rapid Transit: Food moves quickly through the intestines, less bile breakdown.
  • Iron Supplements: Some iron supplements can cause greenish stool.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Yellow Stool

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May indicate fat malabsorption or parasitic infection.

  • Fat Malabsorption: May indicate issues with bile production or absorption.
  • Giardiasis: Parasitic infection can cause yellow, greasy stools.
  • Celiac Disease: Gluten intolerance may result in yellow stool.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Red Stool

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May indicate lower GI bleeding - requires medical evaluation.

  • Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures: Common causes of red blood in stool.
  • Colon Cancer: Can cause bleeding in the lower digestive tract.
  • Food Coloring: Red foods or dyes (e.g., beets, gelatin desserts).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Black Stool

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May indicate upper GI bleeding - requires immediate medical attention.

  • Upper GI Bleeding: Bleeding from the stomach or esophagus.
  • Iron Supplements: Can darken stool color.
  • Bismuth Medications: Such as Pepto-Bismol.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

White/Clay Stool

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May indicate bile duct obstruction or liver disease.

  • Bile Duct Obstruction: Lack of bile pigment in stool.
  • Liver Disease: May affect bile production.
  • Certain Medications: Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Orange Stool

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Usually harmless, often related to dietary intake.

  • Carrots, Sweet Potatoes: High in beta-carotene.
  • Food Coloring: Artificial orange dyes.
  • Medications: Some antacids or antibiotics.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Blue Stool

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Rare occurrence, usually due to artificial food coloring.

  • Food Coloring: Artificial blue dyes in candies, drinks, or desserts.
  • Medications: Certain medications may cause blue stool.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

AI Stool Analysis

Upload a photo of your stool to get an AI-powered analysis using advanced GPT-4o technology. Our AI will identify the color and provide professional medical insights.

Supported formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WEBP, BMP (Max 5MB)

⚠️ Important Notice

AI analysis is for educational purposes only. Results should not replace professional medical advice. If you have health concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider.

Medical Terminology & Common Terms

Melena

Black, tarry stools caused by digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Hematochezia

Bright red blood in stool, usually from lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Steatorrhea

Fatty, greasy stools that float and are difficult to flush.

Acholic Stools

Pale, clay-colored stools due to lack of bile pigment.

Bilirubin

Yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, gives stool its brown color.

Bile

Digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats and gives stool its color.