Green Poop In Adults

Green poop in adults is usually caused by food or medication. It can also be caused by an infection. Green poop in infants, in contrast, is usually normal and likely a result of breastfeeding.

Bile. Poop is usually brown because of bile. The liver secretes bile to help digest fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. Bile starts out green, but changes to yellow and then brown due to bacteria in the large intestine.

Diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, or watery poop, digested material passes through your intestines more quickly. This can cause green poop in adults because the bile doesn't have time to change color.

Foods. Green-colored foods can lead to green poop in adults. Eating lots of spinach or other leafy green vegetables, algae or food with green food coloring can cause poop to turn dark green or blackish.

Drugs & Supplements. Chlorophyll and iron supplements can cause green poop in adults. Laxatives, antibiotics and other medications sometimes have a side effect of green poop.

Diseases. Certain medical conditions can also turn your poop green. These include serious conditions such as celiac disease (sensitivity to wheat), irritable bowel syndrome (an intestinal disorder), ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the intestine) and food poisoning.

Treatment. You should see a doctor if you have green poop for more than a few days, if you can't figure out what's causing the green poop, or if you develop other symptoms of a serious condition. If the green poop seems to be a result of diarrhea, make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids.