Black poop can result from several causes, ranging from harmless dietary factors to serious medical conditions involving internal bleeding.
Common Causes of Black Poop
- Dietary factors : Eating dark-colored foods such as black licorice, blueberries, blood sausage, dark chocolate, or foods with intense red or black coloring can darken stool
. Consuming high-iron foods like red meat, beans, or beets can also cause black stools due to excess iron not absorbed by the intestines
- Medications and supplements : Iron supplements, medicines containing bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto-Bismol), and activated charcoal can turn stool black
Serious Causes Related to Internal Bleeding
- Melena : This is the medical term for black, tarry stools caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract-such as the esophagus, stomach, or the first part of the small intestine. Blood turns black as it is digested while passing through the GI tract, resulting in a sticky, foul-smelling stool
- Conditions causing upper GI bleeding include:
- Peptic ulcers (most common cause)
- Tears in the esophagus from severe vomiting (Mallory-Weiss tear)
- Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or esophagus (esophagitis)
- Abnormal or widened blood vessels (varices) in the esophagus or stomach
- Cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum
- Trauma or foreign bodies in the GI tract
How to Differentiate Harmless vs. Serious Black Poop
- Black stool from diet or medications usually has a normal odor and consistency.
- Black stool from bleeding (melena) is typically tarry, sticky, and has a strong, foul, metallic smell
When to Seek Medical Attention
If black stools persist, especially if accompanied by symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting blood, weakness, or fatigue, it is important to consult a healthcare provider promptly to rule out serious causes like GI bleeding
. In summary, black poop can be caused by harmless dietary choices or medications but can also indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract, which requires medical evaluation.
