Stercobilin

Stercobilin is the main bile pigment that gives stool its characteristic brown color. Stercobilin is formed in the intestine during the breakdown of bilirubin, which enters the intestine with bile.

• Normal values and role:
  Stercobilin gives stool its typical color and indicates normal bile pigment delivery and metabolism.
• Decreased stercobilin levels:
  • Obstruction of bile ducts (blockage of gallbladder or liver ducts);
  • Liver dysfunction (hepatitis, cirrhosis);
  • Bile flow disruption (cholestasis);
  • Diseases of the small intestine causing impaired absorption and pigment metabolism.
• Increased stercobilin levels:
  Generally, increased stercobilin is not observed as it is formed from bilirubin in the intestine.
• Clinical significance:
  Changes in stool color (pale stools) associated with decreased stercobilin indicate serious liver and bile duct disorders requiring further examination.

Stercobilin analysis is used to assess liver function, bile duct condition, and diagnose digestive system diseases.