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What Causes Seedy Appearance In Stool?
Question: Hello, I have been having stools with "seeds" but actually more like sawdust for several months. The entire stool is sawdust-like.They are large and heavy. I saw a GI who told me not to worry about the large stools - that this was good.
She told me to stop my vitamins for 2 weeks and see if it went away. I am concerned as to what this is. I also have had poor appetite for many years but am told that I am healthy as no reason for poor appetite has been found and I have asked several doctores. I have been tested for parasites several times and all are negative. I have mild IBS, am athletic, do not eat sugar or gluten. THank you.
She told me to stop my vitamins for 2 weeks and see if it went away. I am concerned as to what this is. I also have had poor appetite for many years but am told that I am healthy as no reason for poor appetite has been found and I have asked several doctores. I have been tested for parasites several times and all are negative. I have mild IBS, am athletic, do not eat sugar or gluten. THank you.
Brief Answer:
Waiting for your feedback in a couple of weeks...
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
I have gone through your medical history and understood your concerns.
I am happy to hear that a lady of your age is athletic, conducts a healthy lifestyle and diet regimen.
The "seedy" appearance of your stool is not something to get you concerned. As long as you do not eat sugar or gluten foods and do not have parasites, there is nothing to be worried about.
It is true that some vitamins can change the appearance of stool or urine/body odor. I agree with your doctor's advise of stopping vitamins and see the changes in a couple of weeks.
Once again, it is nothing worrisome. Please have patience until then. I'll be here awaiting for your positive feedback!
Dr.Albana
Waiting for your feedback in a couple of weeks...
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
I have gone through your medical history and understood your concerns.
I am happy to hear that a lady of your age is athletic, conducts a healthy lifestyle and diet regimen.
The "seedy" appearance of your stool is not something to get you concerned. As long as you do not eat sugar or gluten foods and do not have parasites, there is nothing to be worried about.
It is true that some vitamins can change the appearance of stool or urine/body odor. I agree with your doctor's advise of stopping vitamins and see the changes in a couple of weeks.
Once again, it is nothing worrisome. Please have patience until then. I'll be here awaiting for your positive feedback!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have had several tests for parasites and nothing shows up. What would be causing these "seedy" stools? Also do you think this has to do with my very poor (non-existent) appetite? I have heard that one could have parasites but they may not show up.....
Brief Answer:
If tests were negative,nothing to worry about..
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Parasites do have 2 life-cycles: larvae and ova while protozoa have cysts and trophozoites. Only few larva can be seen by the eyes: Enterobius, Askarides,etc.
The lab test would determine if parasites of both life-cycles are seen in your feces. If lab tests were negative, then, no parasites.
Once again, if all tests results were normal, then, do not worry about seedy appearance of the stool. Sometimes, IBS can give such clinic. You can discuss it further with your GI to determine IBS.
Even if IBS would be confirmed, then, there is nothing worrisome. I suggest to follow your doctor's advice and see improvement within 2 weeks time.
All the best!
Dr.Albana
If tests were negative,nothing to worry about..
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Parasites do have 2 life-cycles: larvae and ova while protozoa have cysts and trophozoites. Only few larva can be seen by the eyes: Enterobius, Askarides,etc.
The lab test would determine if parasites of both life-cycles are seen in your feces. If lab tests were negative, then, no parasites.
Once again, if all tests results were normal, then, do not worry about seedy appearance of the stool. Sometimes, IBS can give such clinic. You can discuss it further with your GI to determine IBS.
Even if IBS would be confirmed, then, there is nothing worrisome. I suggest to follow your doctor's advice and see improvement within 2 weeks time.
All the best!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Just one more question please: The supplements I take are powder in capsule form.
How would finely ground up powder create large seeds in one's stool? thank you
How would finely ground up powder create large seeds in one's stool? thank you
Brief Answer:
You're most welcomed!
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
The problem does not consist in powder form of supplements, but in their content:
- active ingredients (vitamins and minerals), which are absorbed by the intestines
- inactive ingredients which are not being absorbed but are passed in the stool as they are.
Both of them can affect bowel movements. That's why your doctor has advised to stop using them for at least 2 weeks. I do agree with this as long as lab tests are normal.
So, be patient and see if any change.
Until then, all the best!
Dr.Albana
You're most welcomed!
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
The problem does not consist in powder form of supplements, but in their content:
- active ingredients (vitamins and minerals), which are absorbed by the intestines
- inactive ingredients which are not being absorbed but are passed in the stool as they are.
Both of them can affect bowel movements. That's why your doctor has advised to stop using them for at least 2 weeks. I do agree with this as long as lab tests are normal.
So, be patient and see if any change.
Until then, all the best!
Dr.Albana
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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