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    Undigested food in stool: What does it mean?

    By Mayo Clinic Staff
    Oct. 12, 2023

    For the past few days, I've noticed undigested food in my stool. Should I be concerned?

    Sometimes, you may see undigested food fragments in stool. This usually is high-fiber vegetable matter, which usually isn't broken down and absorbed in your digestive tract. At times, undigested food is a sign of poor chewing and fast eating. Make sure that you chew your food well.

    Undigested food in stool isn't a problem unless it occurs with lasting diarrhea, weight loss or other changes in your bowel habits. If you have such signs and symptoms, talk to your health care provider.

    1. McPherson RA, et al., eds. Laboratory diagnosis of gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders. In: Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 6, 2022.
    2. Quick CRG, et al., eds. Nonacute abdominal pain and other abdominal symptoms and signs. In: Essential Surgery: Problems, Diagnosis and Management. 6th ed. Elsevier Limited; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 6, 2022.
    3. Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Jan. 8, 2022.

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