Learn why your poop may appear black or tarry, common causes ranging from diet and supplements to medical conditions, and when to seek medical care.

This article explains six potential causes for black stools, including how to prevent it and when to seek help.

Black stool can come from foods, iron, medicine, or possible GI bleeding. Learn common causes, red flags, and when to seek help.

Black poop may indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract from conditions like ulcers, varices, or esophagitis, but it can also result from iron supplements, certain foods, or medications. Learn the main causes, treatments, and when to seek medical care for black stool.

Melena (black stool) is a symptom of internal bleeding, usually in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The blood turns black as it travels through your digestive system before coming out in your poop.

This guide explains what black stool means, its causes, associated symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, prevention strategies, and when to seek medical care.

Black or tarry poop could indicate bleeding inside your gut. Learn what causes black stool (melena), when it's harmless, and when to see a doctor immediately.

Black stool is most often caused by something you ate, drank, or took as a supplement or medication. Iron pills, bismuth-based stomach remedies, black licorice, blueberries, and activated charcoal can all turn your stool noticeably dark.

Black stool has two broad categories of causes: harmless ones (foods, supplements, certain medications) and serious ones (bleeding in the digestive tract). The most common harmless culprits are iron supplements, bismuth-based medications like Pepto-Bismol, and dark-colored foods.

Discover why your poop is black, common causes like foods or medications, warning signs, and when black stool may require medical attention.