Urine is a byproduct of the kidneys as they help the body eliminate toxins and waste. Average, healthy urine ranges from pale yellow to deep amber, based on your hydration status. Abnormal urine color may raise concerns, but changes in urine color are often just the result of consuming certain vitamins, supplements or medication.
Blue or Green Urine
High doses of the B vitamins can cause urine to range from neon yellow to green. Because the B vitamins are water-soluble, the excess vitamins are filtered through the kidneys and released in the urine as a way of preventing vitamin toxicity. In additional, an inherited disorder causing high levels of calcium in the body, known as familial hypercalcemia, can cause blue urine. This disorder is often first noticed among young children and referred to as blue diaper syndrome.
Orange Urine
Vitamin C and riboflavin, as well as any supplement with carotene, can produce dark yellow to orange urine. Carotene is the orange pigment in carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Large doses of carotene can turn your feet and palms orange, as well. If you juice vegetables regularly, you are likely to experience orange urine Laxatives and blood-thinners, such as warfarin, can also cause orange urine.
Pink or Red Urine
Anthrocyanin, the pigment found in beets, blackberries and some supplements, can turn urine light pink or red. If your urine is alkaline -- a pH greater than seven -- rhubarb and laxatives containing anthraquinone will turn urine red. Antipsychotic medication, blood in your urine, and lead or mercury poisoning can cause red urine.
Brown Urine
Rhubarb, as well as aloe, can contribute to dark brown urine. Excess consumption of copper or copper poisoning can cause urine to have a brownish tint, too. Ironically, an antibiotic medication used to treat urinary tract infections known as nitrofurantoin causes brown urine. Laxatives with the ingredients senna or cascara often turn urine brown. A number of acute and chronic conditions can also cause brown urine. Check with your physician if the discoloration of your urine cannot be explained by food or supplement consumption.
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