Yes, beets can make your poop appear red or pink. This phenomenon, known as beeturia when it also affects urine, occurs because of the natural pigments present in the root vegetable. Although seeing red coloration can be alarming, beeturia is common and harmless for most people. The red color is a sign that the pigment was not completely broken down during digestion. Approximately 10 to 14% of the population experience this temporary color change after eating beets.
The Color Agent: What Makes Beets Red?
The vibrant, deep red color of beets comes from a specific class of compounds known as betalains. The primary pigment responsible is called betanin, which is classified as a betacyanin. These betalain pigments are distinct from the anthocyanins found in fruits like blueberries and cherries.
Betanin is a water-soluble compound that readily dissolves in the fluids of the digestive system. The pigment’s chemical structure is relatively resistant to the harsh environment of the gut. This resistance allows it to survive long enough to be excreted.
Why The Pigment Is Not Fully Processed
The red pigment’s survival through the gastrointestinal tract depends on physiological and metabolic factors. The stomach’s low pH, or high acidity, is a primary factor in breaking down betanin. If stomach acid levels are low, less pigment is degraded, allowing more intact betanin to pass further down the digestive tract.
Another significant factor is intestinal transit time, the speed at which food moves through the intestines. A faster transit time means the pigment has less exposure to the digestive enzymes and gut bacteria that break it down. This results in more red pigment being present in the stool.
Individual metabolic differences also play a substantial role. Studies show a strong correlation between iron deficiency anemia and the likelihood of experiencing red urine or stool after eating beets. For people with low iron stores, the body appears to have a reduced capacity to metabolize the betanin pigment.
The gut microbiota is also involved in the final biotransformation of betacyanins, contributing to the variability seen among different people. Pigment that is not broken down in the gut is absorbed into the bloodstream and eliminated through the kidneys, or it passes through the colon.
How to Tell the Difference Between Pigment and Blood
The most pressing concern when seeing red is distinguishing harmless pigment from gastrointestinal bleeding. Beet-induced coloration is typically pink, light red, or speckled, and resolves within 24 to 48 hours after consumption. The color is often present in both the urine and stool, which is a key sign that the cause is the water-soluble pigment.
In contrast, bleeding in the digestive tract presents with different characteristics depending on the source. Blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or small intestine, is typically digested. This results in stool that is black, tarry, and foul-smelling, medically termed melena.
Bright red or maroon blood in the stool usually indicates bleeding lower down, often from the colon, rectum, or anus, such as from hemorrhoids. If you notice any red or black discoloration that persists for more than two days after stopping beets, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, medical attention is warranted. Concerning symptoms include dizziness, persistent abdominal pain, fever, or fatigue, which could suggest an underlying health condition.