Can eating cherries cause black stool?
Jan 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, consuming cherries in moderate amounts will not cause black stools; however, excessive consumption of cherries may lead to darkening of the stool. Although the iron content in cherries is red, it is reduced to ferrous ions in the human body and does not cause black discoloration of the stool. The gastrointestinal tract can completely digest the iron present in cherries. Therefore, eating a moderate amount of cherries at one time will not cause black stools.
Under normal circumstances, consuming cherries in moderate amounts will not cause black stool, but excessive consumption of cherries may lead to darkening of stool color. The specific explanation is as follows:
The iron contained in cherries is red in color, but it is reduced to ferrous ions in the human body and does not cause black stool. At the same time, the gastrointestinal tract can usually completely digest the iron in cherries. Therefore, eating an appropriate amount of cherries at one time will not lead to black stool.
However, cherries contain certain pigments. Eating excessive amounts of cherries may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and may not be fully digested within a short period. Some undigested cherry residue may be excreted from the body through gastrointestinal peristalsis. Due to the naturally dark color of cherries and their pigment content, the stool may appear darker in color, or even black.
Therefore, it is important to control the quantity of cherries consumed to avoid health risks associated with excessive intake. Specific populations, such as those prone to excessive internal heat (heatiness), individuals with diarrhea, people with unstable blood sugar levels, and patients with heat-related illnesses, should consume cherries cautiously or avoid them altogether.
