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What Causes Dark Stool?

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Posted on Fri, 5 Jun 2015
Question: What may be causing dark stool-not black?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Need clinical correlation causes explained

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and I understand your concern. Apart from bleeding in upper GI tract other possibilities of dark stools are

- Iron supplements,
- bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol),
-black licorice. Etc.


I would like you to know that Stool comes in a range of colors. All shades of brown and even green are considered normal. Only rarely does stool color indicate a potentially serious intestinal condition.

Stool color is generally influenced by what you eat as well as by the amount of bile — a yellow-green fluid that digests fats — in your stool. As bile pigments travel through your gastrointestinal tract, they are chemically altered by enzymes — changing the pigments from green to brown.

Consult your doctor if you're concerned about your stool color. If your stool is bright red or black — which may indicate the presence of blood — seek prompt medical attention.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards XXXXXXX
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Causes Dark Stool?

Brief Answer: Need clinical correlation causes explained Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and I understand your concern. Apart from bleeding in upper GI tract other possibilities of dark stools are - Iron supplements, - bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol), -black licorice. Etc. I would like you to know that Stool comes in a range of colors. All shades of brown and even green are considered normal. Only rarely does stool color indicate a potentially serious intestinal condition. Stool color is generally influenced by what you eat as well as by the amount of bile — a yellow-green fluid that digests fats — in your stool. As bile pigments travel through your gastrointestinal tract, they are chemically altered by enzymes — changing the pigments from green to brown. Consult your doctor if you're concerned about your stool color. If your stool is bright red or black — which may indicate the presence of blood — seek prompt medical attention. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please. Regards XXXXXXX