Green stool??

[northwestmom]

My son, age 22 months, has been having episodes of green stool for the past month, on and off. Sometimes it's very loose, and other times less so, but it becomes very bright green and it stains his skin, almost like food coloring. He hasn't eaten anything unusual or green. In fact, his appetite is low and he's a very picky eater - mostly yogurt, fruit, crackers.

The pediatrician says it must be food-related, and she tested his stool for a bacteria that wasn't present.

Can anyone lend insight? I'm worried about him. Could this be a potential symptom of lead poisoning? He chews on everything - toys, books...I worry about him. Thanks.

[Renee Radenberg]

Neurological problems are the usual first signs of lead poisoning. You would see reduced cognitive abilities, possible irritability, and insomnia before abdominal issues. If you are concerned, have him tested. It seems to be something he is eating that is green, green vegetables or the candy you mentioned. Try stopping the candy and see if his bowels return to normal.

[northwestmom]

The only thing he eats with coloring are "fruit chews" - that's probably the culprit. I'll have him fully tested for everything at his 2-year appointment regardless.

[bellem04]

O.k. just read that anything that is a dark purple color can give you green stool.
Also, green, leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll.  Does he chew on anything green?
If you worried about lead get him tested.

[northwestmom]

No, no kool-aid. He only drinks water and watered down apple juice and the occasional soy milk/yogurt smoothie.

[bellem04]

Has he been drinking grape kool-aid?  My daughter gets green stool when she drinks that.