Urine Color

Urine color refers to the appearance of urine, which can vary from pale yellow to deep amber and may change based on hydration, diet, medications, and health conditions. Normal urine gets its yellow color from a pigment called urochrome, produced as the body breaks down hemoglobin. Changes in urine color are often harmless and temporary, but in some cases, they may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires evaluation.

Symptoms

Changes in urine color are usually noticeable during urination and may occur with or without other symptoms.

Common urine color changes may include:

• Clear or very pale urine

• Dark yellow or amber urine

• Red or pink urine

• Orange urine

• Blue or green urine

• Brown or tea-colored urine

• Cloudy or milky urine

Color changes accompanied by pain, fever, strong odor, or other symptoms may suggest a medical issue.

Causes

Urine color can change for many reasons, ranging from normal lifestyle factors to medical conditions.

Possible causes include:

• Dehydration or excessive fluid intake

• Certain foods such as beets, berries, or carrots

• Vitamins, especially B-complex supplements

• Medications including antibiotics, laxatives, and chemotherapy drugs

• Urinary tract infections

• Liver or bile duct disorders

• Kidney disease or kidney stones

• Blood in the urine due to injury or disease

• Rare genetic or metabolic disorders

The cause often depends on the specific color change and associated symptoms.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of noticeable or abnormal urine color changes.

Risk factors include:

• Poor hydration habits

• Use of multiple medications or supplements

• History of kidney or liver disease

• Urinary tract infections

• Intense physical activity

• Certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes

Older adults may notice changes more frequently due to medications or reduced kidney function.

Complications

While many urine color changes are harmless, ignoring persistent or abnormal changes can delay diagnosis of serious conditions.

Possible complications include:

• Missed diagnosis of kidney or liver disease

• Progression of untreated urinary tract infections

• Worsening dehydration

• Delayed treatment of internal bleeding or stones

Persistent or unexplained urine color changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Prevention

Not all urine color changes can be prevented, but healthy habits can reduce risk and support early detection.

Preventive steps may include:

• Drinking adequate fluids throughout the day

• Monitoring urine color as a hydration indicator

• Using medications only as prescribed

• Managing chronic health conditions effectively

• Seeking medical advice for persistent, unusual, or painful urine color changes

Regular attention to urine appearance can provide valuable insight into overall health.