What does maroon stool mean?
Maroon-colored stool — sometimes called hematochezia — typically signals bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Unlike black tarry stool (melena) that points to the upper GI tract, maroon stool suggests the blood has not been fully digested, placing its origin somewhere between the small intestine and the rectum.
That said, not every maroon bowel movement is an emergency. Certain foods and supplements can mimic the appearance of blood. The critical step is knowing how to tell the difference and when to get help fast.
Harmless causes of maroon stool
Before assuming the worst, consider whether you recently consumed any of the following:
- Beets and beet juice — One of the most common culprits. Beet pigments (betanin) can turn stool a deep red or maroon within 12–24 hours.
- Red gelatin, popsicles, or fruit punch — Artificial red dyes pass through the GI tract and color stool.
- Cranberries and red grapes — Large quantities of deeply pigmented fruits can darken stool.
- Tomato soup or sauce — Concentrated tomato products occasionally cause reddish-maroon stool.
- Iron supplements — While iron more commonly produces black stool, it can sometimes appear dark maroon.
If a food or supplement is the cause, the color change is temporary and resolves within 1–2 days after you stop eating the trigger.
Medical causes of maroon stool
When diet is ruled out, maroon stool usually indicates lower GI bleeding. The blood has had some transit time but has not been fully digested, giving it that dark red-brown appearance.
Common conditions
- Diverticular bleeding — Diverticula are small pouches in the colon wall. When a blood vessel inside one ruptures, it can produce painless but significant maroon-colored bleeding. This is the most common cause of major lower GI bleeding in adults over 40.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation that erodes the intestinal lining, leading to bloody stool, cramping, and diarrhea.
- Colorectal polyps or cancer — Polyps are growths on the colon wall. Most are benign, but some bleed intermittently. Persistent maroon stool with no dietary explanation warrants a colonoscopy.
- Angiodysplasia — Abnormal, fragile blood vessels in the colon that are more common in older adults and people with kidney disease.
- Hemorrhoids and anal fissures — Usually produce bright red blood, but internal hemorrhoids can sometimes cause darker bleeding if blood pools before passing.
- Infectious colitis — Bacterial infections such as E. coli, Salmonella, or C. difficile can damage the intestinal lining enough to cause bloody, maroon-tinted stool.
- Meckel’s diverticulum — A congenital pouch in the small intestine that can bleed, more common in children and young adults.
How to tell food staining from bleeding
| Feature | Food/Supplement | Lower GI Bleeding |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Even maroon tint | Dark red, mixed with stool or clots |
| Duration | 1–2 days after eating trigger | Recurrent or persistent |
| Texture | Normal consistency | May be loose or contain mucus |
| Recent beets/red foods | Yes | No |
| Other symptoms | None | Cramping, weakness, dizziness |
| Smell | Normal | May be unusually foul |
A simple test: stop eating red-pigmented foods for 2–3 days. If the maroon color persists, it is likely blood and requires medical evaluation.
When to seek emergency care
Go to the emergency room or call emergency services if you experience:
- Large amounts of maroon or bloody stool
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting — signs of significant blood loss
- Rapid heart rate or feeling cold and clammy
- Severe abdominal pain alongside the color change
- Vomiting blood or dark “coffee ground” material
- History of liver disease, blood thinners, or recent colonoscopy
Even moderate lower GI bleeding can escalate quickly. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.
Diagnosis and next steps
When you visit a doctor for maroon stool, expect some or all of the following:
- Stool sample (fecal occult blood test) — Confirms whether blood is present.
- Blood work — Checks hemoglobin levels and clotting function.
- Colonoscopy — The gold standard for identifying the source of lower GI bleeding.
- CT angiography — Used if bleeding is active and rapid, to pinpoint the location before intervention.
Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. Many causes of lower GI bleeding — including polyps and diverticular bleeds — are highly treatable when caught promptly.
Track your stool color with Flushy
Noticing a one-time color change is easy. Noticing a pattern is what matters. With Flushy, you can log stool color, Bristol type, and dietary tags after every bowel movement — all stored privately on your phone. When you visit your doctor, you will have a clear, detailed history to share instead of relying on memory.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.