Like other red vegetables, tomatoes contain high quantities of beta-carotene, which can potentially be a contributing factor to orange or dark yellow urine. However, most cases are typically linked to the use of certain medications used to treat urinary tract infections and other discomforts. If you regularly experience orange urine, it is more likely to be a side effect of medication use than the amount of tomatoes in your diet.
Definition
The normal urine color of a healthy adult ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. The pigment that determines the color of your urine is called "urochrome," which can be diluted by drinking fluids or dyed by consuming different foods and medications. The most common medications linked to orange urine are rifampin, sulfasalazine and phenazopyridine, according to MayoClinic.com. In addition to these drugs, certain laxative and chemotherapy drugs can also influence your urine to reflect an orange or dark amber hue. In rare cases, orange urine can be indicative of a more serious condition, such as problems with your liver and bile duct.
Tomatoes and Urine Color
In addition to drugs and laxatives, the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus lists B-complex vitamins and carotene as potential causes for orange urine. Tomatoes contain high levels of a type of carotenoid called beta-carotene, which acts as the principle vitamin A compound for tomatoes. As a result, eating a large amount of tomatoes rich in beta-carotene may have the side effect of temporarily staining your urine. Since personal factors such as age, weight and diet play a big role in determining each person’s digestion, it is difficult to estimate how many tomatoes you would actually need to eat to discolor your urine.
Diet and Urine Color
Water intake and food composition can play a significant role in the concentration of urochrome pigment in your urine. If you routinely eat dark fruits and vegetables – such as beets, rhubarb and blackberries – you are likely to notice a light pink pigment in your urine after eating. Certain food colorings can also have unpredictable effects on the color of your urine. While the beta-carotene in tomatoes can have a discoloring effect on your urine, it is probably not as immediately noticeable as when you eat foods such as beets or berries. Due to their similarities in tone, dark-colored urine from someone who is dehydrated can sometimes be mistaken for orange urine.
Safety Concerns
Talk to your doctor if your urine color remains orange after a prolonged period of time. According to MayoClinic.com, accompanying symptoms such as light-colored stools can be indicative of a more serious condition involving your liver and digestive functions.
Member Comments