Red Stools: Is It Carrot Pigment or Something More?

Bowel issues?

Hello doctor, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy last Saturday and was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer.
I have been taking my medication on time.
Recently, I have noticed some red discoloration in my stool (the predominant color is still brown or yellow), and there is also some red on the toilet paper after wiping.
I would like to ask if this could be caused by the red carrots I have been eating recently.

Mr. Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/01

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Further observation is possible, and if necessary, a stool occult blood test may be performed.

Reply Date: 2022/05/01

More Info

When it comes to the appearance of red substances in stools, particularly after recent dietary changes, it is essential to consider both the food consumed and potential health implications. In your case, having recently undergone an endoscopy that revealed a gastric ulcer, it is understandable to be concerned about any changes in bowel habits or stool appearance.

Firstly, the presence of red or reddish substances in your stool can often be attributed to the consumption of certain foods. Carrots, especially when consumed in large quantities, can impart a reddish hue to the stool due to their natural pigments, specifically carotenoids. Other foods that can cause similar effects include beets, tomatoes, and certain fruits like watermelon. If you have been eating a significant amount of red carrots, it is quite plausible that the color you are observing in your stool is due to this dietary intake.

However, it is crucial to differentiate between harmless food pigments and potential signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. The fact that your stool remains predominantly brown or yellow, with only some red specks, is a positive sign. Additionally, if you are not experiencing any other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits (like diarrhea or constipation), or weight loss, the likelihood of a serious issue decreases.
The presence of red on toilet paper after wiping could also be attributed to food remnants, especially if you have consumed foods with red pigments. However, it is essential to consider the possibility of rectal bleeding, particularly given your history of a gastric ulcer. If the red color persists, increases, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or changes in your overall health, it would be prudent to seek medical advice.

In your case, since you have a known gastric ulcer, it is vital to monitor your symptoms closely. Ulcers can sometimes lead to complications, including bleeding, which may manifest as red or dark stools. If you notice any significant changes or if the red color does not resolve after a few days, I recommend consulting your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may suggest a stool test to check for occult blood, which can help determine if there is any internal bleeding.

In summary, while it is likely that the red color in your stool is due to the consumption of red carrots or other similar foods, it is essential to remain vigilant, especially given your medical history. Keeping a food diary to track what you eat and any corresponding changes in your stool can be helpful. If you have any doubts or if the situation changes, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further assessment. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to gastrointestinal symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Orange-Red Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns Explained

Today, I had a bowel movement, and the stool color was a clay yellow with some orange-red specks mixed in. It doesn't look like blood, and it disappeared within a day. Could this be due to the large amount of diced carrots I ate yesterday?

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Yes, in addition to carrots, foods such as dragon fruit, watermelon, tomatoes, and pumpkin can also have similar effects, so it's important to chew your food thoroughly and slowly while eating!

Understanding Red Spots in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained

My daily routine is quite irregular due to work factors, and I often eat out for all my meals. However, I have a habit of taking probiotics in powder form, which I've been doing for a long time. Sometimes, after taking them, I still experience diarrhea, and occasionally I no...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the color of stool is closely related to food pigments; as for blood on the toilet paper, it is generally indicative of rectal or anal bleeding, with hemorrhoids being the most common cause. If necessary, please consult a colorectal surgeon. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, A...

Understanding Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor, over the past few months, I've occasionally noticed orange-red liquid next to my stool after having a bowel movement (the stool itself and the color when wiping are normal brownish-yellow). A few days before experiencing this symptom, I had eaten some carrots a...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is true that consuming certain food colorings, such as those found in carrots, can cause stool to appear discolored, making it difficult to distinguish from actual blood. However, if there is gastrointestinal bleeding, the color is usually dark red or bright red, rather...

Understanding Red Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention

This afternoon, after having a bowel movement, I noticed that the last segment of my stool, about six centimeters long, was red in color, ranging between bright red and dark red. The front part of the stool appeared normal, and there was no blood or mucus when wiping the anus. Wh...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Abnormal stool color is often related to dietary intake. It is recommended to temporarily avoid such foods and monitor the stool color. If red stools persist, it is advisable to undergo a fecal occult blood test.