Can eating cherries cause black stools?
Jan 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, eating cherries may cause black stools. Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, a type of water-soluble pigment that can appear purplish-red or bluish-black. If a large quantity of cherries is consumed, these pigments may not be completely absorbed by the body and will be excreted along with food residue, thereby darkening the color of the stool.
Generally, consuming cherries may cause black stool. The specific analysis is as follows:
Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, a type of water-soluble pigment that can appear purplish-red or bluish-black. If cherries are consumed in large quantities, these pigments may not be completely absorbed by the human body and will be excreted along with food residue, thereby darkening the color of the stool. Usually, after stopping cherry consumption, stool color typically returns to normal within 1-2 days.
Black stool may also indicate other health issues. If black stool is caused by eating cherries, generally there will be no significant changes in other aspects such as stool texture, shape, or bowel habits. However, if the black stool is due to gastrointestinal bleeding, the stool may appear tarry, have a thick and sticky consistency, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, palpitations, and discomfort.
If black stool persists or is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms even after stopping cherry consumption, it is recommended to seek timely medical examination to determine the exact cause of the black stool.
