Here is what a GI doctor says about how long beet juice in one’s stools can last.
Beet juice in the stools, to some, is “cool,” but to others, is very frightening, as this can masquerade as blood in the stools.
In medicine, “beeturia” refers to the unabsorbed crimson pigment of this vegetable, called betanin, in a person’s urine, not their bowel movements.
If you’re seeing red in your stools three or four days after eating whole beets or beet juice, it might be tempting to start thinking that this is blood.
The betanin comes out in the urine, which comes out with your poops, creating the illusion that your BMs themselves are reddish.
What’s actually happening is that your stools are surrounded by the urine that has the beet pigment in it.
Of course it’s going to get on your bowel movements.
But can this “stool beeturia” still occur five days after you ate the beets or drank beet juice?
Yes — because I myself have had it five days out.
I might also add that I had the beeturia five days in a row, rather than skipping the first four days and then seeing it on day 5.
“In the stool it’s also generally two days, but maybe three or four,” says Jonathan Zinberg, MD, chief of gastroenterology at South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside, NY.
“It is more likely to occur in those who have increased iron absorption, such as those with iron deficiency.
“But remember, not all biologic specimens (i.e., people) follow the rules, so there can be variability.”
For a more in-depth — and reassuring look at this phenomen, read my other article:
Red Stools from Beets vs. from Blood: How to Tell the Difference
Jonathan Zinberg, MD
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
