{"id":58171,"date":"2022-09-01T13:59:46","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T11:59:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/symptoms\/sour-smelling-stools\/"},"modified":"2026-09-28T16:41:56","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T14:41:56","slug":"sour-smelling-stools","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/symptoms\/sour-smelling-stools\/","title":{"rendered":"Sour-smelling stools"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

What you need to know about sour-smelling stools<\/h2>\n

A strong stool odour can indicate an underlying condition. Normal stool has an odour caused by bacterial fermentation of nutrients and by dead gut bacteria. In principle, stool should not have a foul smell. When stool smells very unpleasant or different from usual and sticks to the toilet bowl, there is often a reason for this, such as an infection. In young children, stool can smell particularly strong when there is a parasitic infection or gluten intolerance. An acidic stool odour is most commonly associated with the digestion of proteins. The acidic smell can be caused by more than 230 components produced during protein digestion. When someone consumes a lot of protein, the numbers of the bacterial species Bacteroides and Atopostipes increase, and these can give the stool an acidic smell. In addition to sour-smelling stools, a person may also experience very foul-smelling wind. An acidic smell or the smell of rotten eggs suggests putrefactive processes and the presence of sulphur in intestinal gas. Sour-smelling stools are therefore often accompanied by a low stool pH and fermentation due to an excess of starch.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

\"\"Tips for preventing foul-smelling stools<\/strong>
\nProtein digestion in particular can cause an unpleasant smell. There are more than 230 components that contribute to the odour. With a high protein intake, the numbers of Bacteroides and Atopostipes bacteria increase. Acid-reducing medicines reduce protein digestion. The smell of rotten eggs points to putrefactive processes and sulphur-containing gases. Sour-smelling stools are often associated with a low stool pH and fermentation caused by an excess of starch.
\nThere are several tips that may help prevent foul-smelling stools.
\n\u2013 Look for the cause of the symptoms
\n\u2013 Avoid foods to which you are sensitive
\n\u2013 Consume less protein
\n\u2013 Help prevent parasitic infections through good hygiene
\n\u2013 A probiotic (LGG) may be helpful
\n<\/span><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Tests for sour-smelling stools<\/h2>\n

If sour and foul-smelling stools persist, stool testing through Darmklachten.nl can help investigate the cause. View our recommended test packages and individual modules below.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

\n\t