What Does White or Pale Stool Mean?

Stool should appear light brown and have little odor, and its appearance is an indicator of digestive health. Diseases, chronic conditions and some medicines, however, can cause stool to become light or pale in appearance.

• White stool might indicate digestive trouble.

Significance

• The digestive fluid bile, produced by the liver, gives stool its usual brown color. White or pale stool lacks bile and indicates that something is either halting its production or blocking it from reaching the stool.

Diseases

• Several diseases and conditions, some serious, can cause white or pale stool, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, congenital digestive problems or tumors.

Medicines

• Anti-diarrhea medications, such as Pepto-Bismol, might cause white stool, as can some antacids, antibiotics and anti-fungal medication. A barium enema also usually produces white stool.

Other Features

• Pale stool might have a strong, foul smell or appear greasy, indicating undigested fat. Mucus from the intestines also might lighten the color of stool, although it usually will come off in water.

Warning

• Because pale or white stool can indicate serious medical problems, do not try to self-diagnose its cause. If there is no medicinal reason for white stool or it persists for multiple bowel movements, seek medical care immediately.