- Excessive consumption of certain foods: Foods that are rich in beta-carotene, a plant pigment that gives some fruits and vegetables their color, can cause yellow stools. These foods include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash, and leafy greens.
- Food additives and medications: Some food additives and medications can also cause yellow stools. These include the food dye tartrazine (found in many processed foods, such as candy and soda), and the antibiotic rifampin.
Medical conditions that can cause yellow feces:
- Liver problems: Liver disease can cause yellow stools because the liver is responsible for producing bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. When the liver is damaged, it may not produce enough bile, which can lead to yellow stools.
- Pancreatic problems: Pancreatic problems can also cause yellow stools because the pancreas produces enzymes that help digest fats. When the pancreas is damaged, it may not produce enough enzymes, which can lead to yellow stools.
- Celiac disease: Celiac disease is a gluten intolerance that can cause yellow stools because it damages the small intestine, which is responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. When the small intestine is damaged, it may not be able to absorb fats properly, which can lead to yellow stools.
If you have yellow stools and you are concerned about the cause, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation. The doctor can perform tests to determine the cause of the yellow stools and recommend treatment if necessary.