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Can Iron Deficiency Cause Clay Colored Stool?

Posted on Thu, 7 Jul 2016

Question: Can iron deficiency cause clay colored stool?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it can.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
Clay colored stools can occur as a result of iron supplementation which can in fact even give false positive stool for occult blood.
However to help you better, I need to know your complete medical history and what is making you feel this.
Revert with the asked details for a better help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (7 minutes later)

Well as I understand the stool suppose to be brown and one day about 2 weeks ago I notice it was clay colored. I pay attention to the color for two weeks now and the stool mostly clay,colored. Two days ago I started using molasses and had some liver and the color change to light brown. Anemia runs in my family -mother has the beta thalassemia anemia, my cousin get b12 shots, me I don't know.

Ok no response to the medical history?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get investigated

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Clay color stool is a characteristic feature of obstructive jaundice and this could be related to irritable bowel syndrome as well.
However, i would advice you to get following tests done:
1. Hemogram
2. Liver function test
3. Stool Routine & Microscopy.

This would make the cause apparent, if any.
If you have any further query, please ask me.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar