Stools that are pale, or clay- or putty-colored may result from problems in the biliary system (the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas).
The liver releases bile salts into the stool, giving it a normal brown color. You may have clay-colored stools if you have a liver infection or if the flow of bile out of the liver is blocked.
Yellow skin (jaundice) often accompanies clay-colored stools due to build up of the bile chemicals in the body.
Possible causes for clay-colored stools may include:
There may be other causes not listed here.