Question about 4 year old son

[mfleet2004]

My son will be 4 years old in two weeks. For about a month now, he has had bright green (neon green) bowel movements. Very bizarre looking, I truly didn't think the human body could produce that color. It hasn't been every time but enough that I'm concerned.

We had a doctor's appt in early December and I mentioned it to the nurse who said the color didn't matter and then I forgot to ask the doc because we had a very long wait.

Anyway, it had only been a few times then and we were all sick with a cold so I thought maybe that was the cause. But it's continued and I really don't see anything that has changed in his eating habits that would cause this. He's never had this before.

Should I be concerned and what could be the cause? Other than the color, everything else seems normal.

Thanks.

[JoeT]

My daughter was eating the green Goldfish and had neon green movements. We cut those out and they went back to normal

[nurse12hr]

Does he drink Kool-Aid, or other foods/drinks with artificial colors? (not necessarily green).

Link:

http://www.poopreport.com/Intellectual/Content/Dye/dye.html

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Green stools are not usually the cause for concern.  Green-colored foods are the most common reason for this.  There are some cases of irritable bowel disease that can produce green stools.  

If the stools were pale or clay colored, red, or black, that would be more significant colors.  If the stool colors continue, you may want to discuss this with your son's physician to see if any further workup (i.e. endoscopy) is necessary.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.