From the Research
Tan stools are called acholic stools, which are characterized by a pale, clay-colored appearance due to a lack of bile in the stool. These pale, clay-colored bowel movements occur when there is a blockage or reduction in bile flow, such as in conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts, causing the stool to appear light-colored or tan 1. Normally, bile produced by the liver gives stool its characteristic brown color. When bile flow is blocked or reduced, the stool appears light-colored or tan. Common causes include gallstones, biliary obstruction, hepatitis, cirrhosis, or pancreatic cancer. Acholic stools are often accompanied by other symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, and itching.
Key Points to Consider
- The presence of clay-colored stools is a predictive marker for biliary atresia and should be used as one of the markers for urgent cholangiogram, since most of the children with biliary atresia go on to develop chronic liver disease 1.
- If you notice persistent tan-colored stools, you should seek medical attention promptly as this can indicate a serious underlying condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.
- The change in stool color serves as an important clinical sign that helps healthcare providers identify potential problems with bile production or flow in the digestive system.
- Prolonged jaundice in bottle-fed babies, and persistent pallor of stools or yellow/orange urine, are rare and merit immediate referral 2.