Get emergency care if red or maroon stool comes with dizziness, fainting, a racing heart, severe belly pain, or a large amount of blood. Call your local emergency number.
Short answer
Red poop can come from beets, tomato, red gelatin or drink mixes, and red food dye. Some medicines can also do it. But red stool is also the color of fresh blood from the lower gut, often from hemorrhoids. If you did not eat anything red, or the color returns, treat it as possible bleeding and get advice.
What foods and medicines turn stool red?
Red stool from food is most often caused by beets, tomato products, red gelatin or drink mixes, and red food dye.
- Beets. See can beets turn your poop red.
- Tomato juice, tomato soup and tomato skins, red peppers and cranberries.
- Red food dye in gelatin, fruit punch, drink mixes, candy and frosting.
- Some antibiotics. The antibiotic cefdinir has been reported to turn stool red in babies, especially with iron-fortified formula. Always mention it to the pediatrician.
Can red stool be blood?
Yes, red stool can be blood. Bright red blood usually comes from the rectum or anus, and darker red or maroon blood can come from higher in the colon.
- Hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Bright red blood on the paper or the stool surface.
- Diverticular bleeding. Sudden, often painless, maroon or red blood.
- Inflammatory bowel disease and infections. Bloody diarrhea, often with mucus and cramps.
- Polyps and colorectal cancer.
Read the full guide: blood in stool.
How can you tell red food from blood in stool?
Red stool from food or dye usually starts within a day of eating it, is evenly tinted and clears in a day or two. Blood may appear as streaks or clots, or keep coming back.
| More likely food or dye | Possible blood | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Starts within a day of eating red food and clears in a day or two | No link to food, or it keeps coming back |
| Look | Stool is evenly tinted | Streaks, clots, or blood on the paper or in the bowl |
| Other signs | None | Pain, dizziness, tiredness, change in bowel habits |
This comparison cannot rule out bleeding. When unsure, do not guess. Call a clinician.
When should you see a doctor about red stool?
Contact a doctor within a day about red stool you cannot link to food. A lot of blood, clots, dizziness or fainting need emergency care.
Usually harmless
- You ate beets, tomato or red dye, and it clears within two days
Call a doctor within a day
- Red stool you cannot link to food or medicine
- Bright red blood that keeps coming back
- Red stool with a change in bowel habits or weight loss
Get care now
- A lot of blood, or clots
- Dizziness, fainting or a racing heart
- Severe belly pain, or bloody diarrhea with fever
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
Is red poop always blood?
No. Beets, tomato, red dye and some medicines can make stool red. If you cannot explain the color, or it returns, have it checked.
Why is my poop red after eating beets?
Beet pigment can pass through the gut and color stool red or pink. It usually clears within a day or two of stopping beets.
Can red stool come from medication?
Yes, a few medicines can, such as the antibiotic cefdinir in babies on iron-fortified formula. Check the leaflet and ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure.
Should I go to the ER for red stool?
Seek emergency care if you pass a lot of blood, or have dizziness, fainting, a racing heart or severe pain. Otherwise, contact a doctor promptly about any blood in stool.
Sources
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