![Omega 3 capsules](https://img.livestrong.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/64/19/494790572.jpg)
Some supplements, particularly vitamin supplements, contain nutrients that are water-soluble, which means your body does not store the extra nutrients that it does not use. Instead, it releases them in your urine, which can cause cloudy urine. This typically occurs when taking unusually high doses of supplements. However, cloudy urine can be a sign of serious health problems, so consult your doctor if the symptom persists.
Vitamin B-6
Video of the Day
Vitamin B-6, a water-soluble vitamin, is necessary for a variety of functions in your body, including metabolizing food. Since B-6 also helps produce neurotransmitters, chemicals that send signals in your nervous system and brain, high doses of vitamin B-6 are being used experimentally to treat neurological conditions like migraines. If you are taking high doses of B-6 for such conditions, your body is more likely to release it through your urine, creating a cloudy effect.
Video of the Day
Vitamin B-12
According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B-12 is necessary for your body to produce healthy red blood cells. If your body is not absorbing B-12 properly, you may have anemia, a condition in which your red blood cells are unable to carry oxygen throughout your body. This can be treated with B-12 supplements, which may cause cloudy urine due to the vitamin's water-soluble properties.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is used a variety of ways, from building collagen to fighting free radicals as an antioxidant. Vitamin C is also supports your immune system; so many people take vitamin C supplements -- especially during cold and flu season. Since vitamin C is water-soluble, your body uses what it needs and releases the rest in your urine, causing cloudiness.
Multiple Vitamin Overdose
According to Medline Plus, if you are taking multiple dietary supplements and you accidentally overdose or take too many, you may begin producing cloudy urine as a symptom of multiple vitamin overdose. Other symptoms include bone and joint pain, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. In a case like this, you should immediately contact the National Poison Control Center or your local physician.
When to Call Your Doctor
If your body is producing cloudy urine because you are taking a supplement, you should try stopping the supplement and seeing if the symptoms stop. If your body continues to produce cloudy urine, or if this symptom is accompanied with pain, consult a physician since cloudy urine can be a symptom of other health problems, such as urinary tract infections.
- HealthGuidance.org; Cloudy Urine Causes; Gary Wickman
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B6
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B12
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin C
- MedlinePlus; Multiple Vitamin Overdose; October 2009