- Unusual colors of the stool are almost always due to food coloring.
- The only colors that may relate to disease are red, black and white.
- All other colors are not due to a medical problem.
Avoid: Eliminate the suspected food or drink from the diet. The unusual color should disappear.
Sample: For persistent unusual color, bring in a stool sample for testing. Keep it in the refrigerator until you leave.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Green color of the stools is always normal and usually caused by bile.
- Green stools are more common in formula fed than breast fed infants, but normal with both.
- Green stools are more common with diarrhea (rapid transit time), but also seen with diarrhea, seen with formed stools.
- If you think it's due to iron medication, be sure your child is not taking too much.
- Unexplained color persists over 24 hours
- Suspected food is eliminated and the abnormal color persists over 48 hours
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 6/1/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.