A member asked:

I've been taking iron tablets for the past three days. i was a little constipated for two days, and today my stool was black- is this normal?

14 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Robert Killian answered

Specializes in General Practice

Black as iron: Yes. The iron has changed the color of the stool.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Normal: Iron will constipate and will turn your stool dark. May require a stool softner.

Answered 3/31/2014

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Dr. Nathaniel Drourr answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Yes: Unfortunately one of the side effects of iron supplementation is black stools. This will go away when you stop taking iron. Hope this helps.

Answered 2/27/2017

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Speak to your doctor: Darkening or in this case "blackening" of the stools is a sign that your doctor will be interested in knowing about as soon as possible.

Answered 3/31/2014

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