Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Stool Color: What Does It Signify?
Content

Ask An Expert

Stool Color: What Does It Signify?

Frank L. Anderson

Frank L. Anderson, M.D.

Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

Surgery Center Division

Question:

What does stool color tell me? Aside from bloody or black, are there other colors I should be concerned about?

Answer:

That's a great question and one everyone has thought about at some point. Stool color is determined by a combination of bile, what you eat that isn't absorbed, and how fast or slowly the intestinal stream moves. Bile is yellow/orange and it changes color as it passes in the intestine - to darker colors of brown. Lighter-colored stool are usually from fast transit. Food that isn't absorbed can also color the stool, such as green from certain veggies.

The only colors to be concerned about are pitch black (not just very dark brown), maroon and red.

If you think you are bleeding, it is always more informative to tell your doctor the color of the stool, rather than just describing it as 'bloody'. As red blood travels through the intestine it can turn black by oxidation from contacting stomach acid, or just by traveling through the length of the intestine. So it usually represents upper intestinal bleeding. Maroon color is usually lower bleeding, and bright red indicates bleeding from the lowest location or a very fast transit. This information is important for your doctor to begin the diagnosis.

Related Questions

Question
  • Hysterectomy and Excessive Gas
    Thirteen years ago I had a total hysterectomy, when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Since the surgery I've noticed I have a lot of gas, which is rather embarrassing, especially in public. Is this a normal post-surgical side effect?
  • Celiac Disease and Lactose Intolerance: Can enzymes help?
    I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?
  • Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Diet
    I have a gluten and a dairy intolerance as well as high cholesterol. Do you have a diet suggestion that may address these issues and still allow me to enjoy meal times? I hate tofu!
  • Constipation Prevention and Treatment
    My boyfriend (44) is constipated. He has taken three or four different kinds of laxatives but they don't seem to be helping him. What will help him?
  • Menopause and Constipation
    I've always been very regular, but now in menopause I'm constipated. I eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, drink a lot of water. I'm normal weight and I exercise. I eat prunes and take Benefiber, but I still have small movements with lots of gas.

Back to Digestive Health

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences