Iron Supplement and Stool Color Changes: What You Need to Know

What stool color is expected for a patient taking an iron supplement?

A. Gray stool

B. Tarry black stool

C. Red blood in stool

D. Nontarry black stool

Final answer: Iron supplements can typically cause a patient's stool to turn tarry black.

Iron supplements are commonly taken by individuals who need to increase their iron levels in the body. When taking iron supplements, it is not uncommon for the stool color to change. The stool may appear tarry black, which is a result of the body processing the additional iron.

This change in stool color is generally considered normal and is usually not a cause for concern. However, it is important to note that if other symptoms such as significant weight loss, abdominal pain, or extreme fatigue accompany the change in stool color, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

For newborns, it is normal for their stool to initially appear as a tarry, greenish-black substance known as meconium. This is completely unrelated to iron supplements and is simply a part of the newborn's development process. As the meconium is expelled and the baby begins to digest breast milk or formula, the stool color gradually transitions to yellow or slightly tan.