What could be the cause of green stools?

  • Q: What would be the cause of green stools when the food intake was not green?
  • A: The color of the stools can vary from day to day and is usually influenced by the foods you eat and the amount of bile in the stool. Green stools tend to indicate that the food is moving quickly through the gastrointestinal tract and the bile does not have enough chance to breakdown and turn more brownish in color. Iron supplements can also turn the stools brown. Black or red stools are more cause for concern as they can be signs of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have black or red stools, or if you are concerned about the color of your stools or have other symptoms that represent a change in your bowel habits. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Michelle McDermott, PharmD
This question was answered on July 22, 2011.


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