What should you know about black color in stool?

Stool can darken after iron supplements, bismuth-containing products, or foods with deep colouring. The more concerning pattern is black, shiny, sticky stool that may be difficult to flush or wipe, because blood digested in the upper digestive tract can produce this appearance.

Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease can cause upper digestive bleeding, and Helicobacter Pylori infection is one possible contributor to stomach inflammation or ulcer disease. A colour change alone cannot tell whether any of these conditions is present.

Think back to recent meals, supplements, and medicines, and note whether the stool is formed, sticky, or tar-like. If you have a clear food or medicine explanation but the colour persists, contact a clinician rather than relying on appearance alone.

Seek medical advice promptly for repeated black stools or any associated stomach pain, nausea, unusual tiredness, or reduced exercise tolerance. Bring a full medicine list and mention any history of ulcers or digestive problems.

Seek emergency care for black tar-like stool with dizziness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, confusion, breathlessness, vomiting blood, or coffee-ground vomit. These symptoms can accompany digestive bleeding and need rapid assessment.

Ask whether a food or medicine is a likely explanation, whether you need blood or stool tests, and what changes should prompt emergency care. Describe when the colour started and whether its texture changed.