Pale faeces

Pale or gray faeces can be caused by insufficient stomach bile output. Generally conditions such as gallstones, giardia parasitic infections, cholecystitis, cirrhosis, chronic pancreatitis or hepatities can cause this condition. The brown colour of faeces comes from bile salts generated in the liver.

Another common cause of pale faeces is aluminum hydroxide contained in antacids. A barium enema test can also cause faeces to become pale.

Undigested fat in faeces can cause a foul smell, make the faeces greasy or shiny, or cause the faeces to float.