by 
The Curious Bag
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White, clay-colored or pale stools typically indicate problems in the biliary system, which creates, stores and transports the digestive fluid called bile. Biliary problems have a number of potential underlying causes.
The Facts
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the biliary system consists of the gallbladder and bile ducts both inside and outside the liver. Normally, bile is created in the liver, stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine during digestion, giving stools their typical brown color.
Causes
Lack of bile can occur at any age as a result of problems in bile production or flow. The Mayo Clinic lists potential causes for these circumstances that include biliary cirrhosis (scarring), gallstones, hepatitis and other liver infections, cysts, tumors, narrowing of the bile ducts and congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the bile ducts or small intestine.
Additional Causes
Additional potential causes of pale stools include gallstones and medication side effects.
Jaundice
Individuals with pale stools frequently experience yellowing of the skin (jaundice) caused by abnormal amounts of bile pigment in the body.
Recommendations
The Mayo Clinic recommends that children and adults with pale stools seek prompt medical attention to determine the underlying cause of their condition.
Source:
U.S. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health: Biliary System
The Mayo Clinic: What Would Cause a 16-Month-Old to Have Chalky, White Stool?
U.S. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health: Stools - Pale or Clay-Colored
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