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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Taking Berberine, Glutamine And Zinc Supplement Cause Black Stool?

I have a new doctor. He has prescribed berberine, zinc, probiotics and GLutamine for my diabetes. I have noticed that my stools are dark, sometimes black looking, and I’m wondering if that is normal? I have recently had a colonoscopy, endoscopy and an MRI of my stomach area to include my liver, prostate, kidney and was told everything was fine.
posted on Fri, 15 Dec 2017
Twitter Sun, 24 Jun 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 28 Jun 2018 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Barberine is an alkaloid and zinc is a metallic drug. Both this get excreted through stool and can cause dark pigmentation of stool and sometimes constipation. No need to worry as it is an absolutely harmless thing and will resolve once the drugs are stopped.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
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Does Taking Berberine, Glutamine And Zinc Supplement Cause Black Stool?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Barberine is an alkaloid and zinc is a metallic drug. Both this get excreted through stool and can cause dark pigmentation of stool and sometimes constipation. No need to worry as it is an absolutely harmless thing and will resolve once the drugs are stopped. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Shinas Hussain