What Does Green Stool Mean? Stool Color Chart & Diet

What does green stool mean?

Green stool may be due to eating certain foods or taking iron supplements.

The normal color of the stool is brown, although green or greenish stool is also considered normal. The most common causes of green stool include

• Eating green veggies such as spinach and kale
• Ingesting green food coloring
• Taking iron supplements

Sometimes during diarrhea when the food moves through the intestine rapidly, there isn’t enough time for the bile to break down the food completely. This may also cause green stools.

Stool color chart

Stool Color Changes ColorPotential CauseWhat to DoBlackGastrointestinal (GI) bleedingIt's an emergencyBlackIron, bismuthCannot assume this to be the reason for the stool colorMaroonGI bleedingThis is an emergencyRedHemorrhoidsConsult a physician RedInflammatory bowel diseaseConsult a physician RedInfection, diverticular bleedConsult a physician RedTumor, rapid upper GI bleedingConsult a physician Green A diet high in green vegetablesConsult a physician Green Associated with diarrheaConsult a physician GreenNormal colorConsult a physician BrownNormal colorNothingYellowDiseases of the pancreasConsult a physician YellowCeliac disease, cystic fibrosisConsult a physician YellowGiardia infectionConsult a physician Clay, pale yellow or whiteLiver or biliary diseaseLack of bile in the stool

Which foods can change the color of stools?

Foods can play a major role in changing the color of stools, which include

• Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale (green)
• Green food coloring used in drinks or ice pops (green)
• Iron supplements (green or black)
• Gluten-rich foods such as wheat, barley or rye (yellow)
• Bread, pasta and cookies (yellow)
• Barium (black)
• Black licorice (black)
• Blueberries (black)
• Beets (red)
• Tomato soup (red)
• Gelatin dessert (red or orange)
• Red drinks (red)
• Carrots (orange)
• Winter squash (orange)
• Pumpkin (orange)
• Sweet potatoes (orange)
• Sodas (orange)
• Candy (orange)

What causes a color change in the stools?

Some common causes of color change in the stools include

• Bleeding in the stomach (tar-colored stools)
• Bleeding in the lower parts of the intestines or colon (maroon-colored stools)
• Bismuth-containing medications (black stools)
• Tumor (red-colored stools)
• Piles (bright red blood in stools)
• Aluminum hydroxide containing antacids or antibiotics (yellowish-white stools)
• Iron pills (black stools)
• Pancreatic cancer (bright yellow stools)
• High fat foods (bright yellow stools)
• Weight loss medications
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Diarrhea (green stools)
• Celiac disease (gluten intolerance)
• Cystic fibrosis (inherited life-threatening condition that damages the lungs and digestive system)

What are the symptoms associated with stool color changes?

Symptoms associated with the stool color may be due to an underlying condition. In many cases, there may be no symptoms at all. Accompanying symptoms include the following

• Weakness or dizziness due to loss of blood from the body
• Nausea, vomiting of blood, diarrhea and cramping due to the presence of blood in the stomach
• Abdominal pain due to the underlying cause of the bleeding, for example, an ulcer
• Weight loss due to cancers
• Gas
• Foul-smelling stools
• Loose stools

When should I seek medical care for stool color changes?

If the stool color changes are due to changes in the diet, it will resolve on its own. If there’s a persistent change in the color of the stool, you should seek immediate medical attention. 

Additionally, contact a physician if you observe the following symptoms

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal pain