Short answer
Orange poop most often follows foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, sweet potato and squash, or orange food dye. A few medicines can cause it too. Pale orange, greasy stool, or orange stool that lasts for weeks with no food cause, can point to a fat-absorption or bile problem and should be checked.
What causes orange stool?
Orange stool is most often caused by foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots and sweet potato, or by orange food dye. Some medicines can also cause it.
- Foods high in beta-carotene. Carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, squash, cantaloupe and apricots.
- Food dye. Orange drinks, candy, cheese snacks and cereal.
- Medicines and supplements. The antibiotic rifampin, and antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide. Beta-carotene supplements can also do it.
- Fast digestion. Food moving quickly can leave stool orange-brown.
- Less bile reaching the gut. Stool can turn pale orange or yellow, and may be greasy. Causes include gallbladder, bile duct, liver and pancreas problems.
When should you see a doctor about orange stool?
See a doctor if orange stool lasts more than a couple of weeks without a food cause, or if it looks pale, greasy or floating.
Usually harmless
- You ate orange foods or dye, or started a medicine known to do it
- It clears within a few days and you feel well
Call a doctor within a day or two
- Orange stool for more than a couple of weeks with no food cause
- Pale orange, greasy or floating stool
- Orange stool with weight loss or diarrhea that will not clear
Get care now
- Orange or pale stool with yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe upper belly pain
Warning signs to know
These are signs that published medical guidance says need prompt or urgent care. The list is not complete, and ticking boxes cannot tell you whether you are ill. If you are worried, contact a clinician whatever you tick.
Questions people ask
Why is my poop orange after eating carrots?
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an orange pigment. If you eat a lot, some can pass through and tint stool orange. This is usually harmless and usually clears in a day or two.
Is orange poop a sign of a liver problem?
It can be, if stool is pale orange or yellow and comes with yellow skin, dark urine or pain. Orange stool with no other symptoms is usually from food or medicine.
Can orange poop be caused by medication?
Yes. Rifampin and aluminum-based antacids can turn stool orange. Check the leaflet or ask your pharmacist.
Is orange poop normal in a baby?
Yes, it is common, especially after starting solid foods such as carrots or sweet potato. See the baby poop color guide for what else is normal.
Sources
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