Why is my poop orange?

Orange poop is often caused by something harmless, especially what you ate or a medication/supplement you’re taking. But if it keeps happening or you have other symptoms, it can sometimes signal a digestive issue.

Common causes

• Foods high in beta-carotene: carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, apricots, and similar foods can tint stool orange.
• Food dyes: orange-colored drinks, candy, gelatin, and other dyed foods can change stool color.
• Medications/supplements: some supplements and medicines can affect stool color, including beta-carotene supplements, high-dose vitamin A, rifampin, and some antacids containing aluminum hydroxide.

Other possible causes

• Fast transit/diarrhea: if stool moves through your gut quickly, bile may not be broken down normally, which can make stool look yellow or orange.
• Bile problems: less bile reaching the intestine can cause stool to become pale, yellow, or sometimes orange.

When to get checked

Occasional orange stool that goes away after a day or two is usually not a concern. See a healthcare provider if:

• it lasts more than a few days without an obvious food cause
• you have severe belly pain, fever, vomiting, or ongoing diarrhea
• you notice blood, black stool, or very pale/chalky stool
• you also have yellowing of the skin or eyes

This is educational and not a diagnosis; if the color change is persistent or you feel unwell, it’s worth getting medical advice.