What Are the Causes of Occasionally White Stool?

White-colored stool may develop from a problem with a patient’s liver, gallbladder or other part of the digestive system. Those with whitish stool should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lack of Bile

• According to the Mayo Clinic, stool gets its normal brownish color from a digestive fluid called bile. White stool often indicates a lack of bile in the digestive tract.

Liver Infections

• Hepatitis, cirrhosis and other liver infections can cause problems with bile production or bile use, and may result in white-colored stool.

Bile Duct Disorders

• White stool may be caused by defects in the bile ducts through which the bile needs to pass as it leaves the liver. Congenital bile duct disorders or blocked bile ducts may impede the flow of bile.

Gallstones

• Gallstones may cause problems with a patient’s bile flow and result in white-colored stool.

Other Causes

• Tumors or cysts in the digestive tract can obstruct bile flow and cause white stool. Metabolism disorders also can reduce bile flow.