Your stool color can tell the internal condition of your body. Hence we have prepared a stool color chart which will tell you how the body conditions are reflected through the color of your stool.
When we eat, the food breaks down into small pieces and is sent to the small intestine for further absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The waste material which is left out after the process of absorption, is excreted in the form of stool. Normally the color of the stool varies from light to medium brown.
But any change in the color and the shape of stool can reflect an internal problem of the body. Hence, it is very important for a person to know about the chart for human stool color which can tell the color and the possible bowel problem going on in the body.
The stool color can help in the early detection of the disease, so it is very important to notice your stool. I know you must be considering it a nasty job but let me tell you one thing; noticing your stool color will not cost you anything but not noticing your stool color can cost you your life. So, the decision is yours.
The normal infant’s stool color depends on their age. As they are constantly on the food change process they have different stool color as they switch to different food, like breastfeeding then bottle feeding then their initial solid food and so on.
Infant Stool Color Chart
| Stool Color | Causes of Stool Color |
| Green Black Substance | This is the first stool of a newborn. It is also known as meconium. It is normal. |
| Yellow Brown | This is due to bottle feeding and is normal. |
| Yellow | It is due to breastfeeding and is normal. |
| Brown | It is the sign that your baby has started with the solid food and hence is normal. |
| Pale Yellow | Liver disorder. |
| Green | Jaundice, milk allergy, intake of iron fortified food, etc. But yellowish green color is normal in babies. |
| Black | Intestinal bleeding or due to the intake of iron fortified formula. |
| Light to Dark Red | Constipation, diaper rash, food sensitive. |
Adults Stool Color Chart
As adults eat proper solid food, their stool color normally varies from light to medium brown. Their stool color meanings can be easily revealed as any change in their normal stool color can be a sign of some or the other disorder.
| Stool Color | Causes of Stool Color |
| Light Brown to Medium Brown | Normal (No probable causes) |
| Very Light Brown | It can be caused due to excess fat or constipation. Liver problem can also lead you to this color. |
| Orange | This color can result from malfunctioning of gallbladder, fast transit time or due to the intake of few medicines or foods like carrots and spinach which contain beta-carotene. |
| Yellow | It can be caused due to giardiasis, Gilbert’s syndrome, etc. Malabsorption or pancreatic cancer can also be some of the causes. |
| Black | Internal bleeding in the upper section of the GI tract. This tract consists of esophagus, stomach, first section of the small intestine and duodenal ulcer. Black bowel movement can also result from excess drinking, excess intake of iron supplements, etc. |
| Dark Green Stool | Indigestion of green vegetables such as spinach can cause you green color stool. Apart from this irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, a fast transit time and celiac disease, intake of iron supplements, vitamin supplements, etc. can also result in such color. |
| Dark Red or Maroon | Colon cancer, internal bleeding of the lower section of the GI tract, internal hemorrhoids, anal fissure, diverticulitis, colon polyps etc. are some of the major causes of this color. |
| Bright Red | Disorder of the digestive system, hemorrhoids or colon cancer. It can also be caused due to the food which are rich in red dyes. |
| Gray | Malabsorption due to the blockage of the bile juice. |
| Clay | This color is the result of gallbladder disorder, hepatitis or malabsorption, etc. |
So, now that you know all about stool colors and what they mean, you better keep a track of your stool color. Just follow the chart for stool color given in this article and take proper measures if the color changes. Do not panic if you observe any instant color change, just consult a doctor and get the cause established in the initial stage itself.
