Colorless urine may indicate over-hydration. Your urinary system — which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra — is responsible for removing waste from your body through urine. That urine then travels through your ureters to your bladder, where the urine is stored until you can eliminate it at an appropriate time. Accessed June 21, 2017. Aycock RD, et al. Urine Color Range for Reagent Strip. Normal urine color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber — the result of a pigment called urochrome and how diluted or concentrated the urine is.Pigments and other compounds in certain foods and medications can change your urine color. Accessed June 21, 2017. It’s more concentrated, which means you’re more dehydrated.” Dr. Kaaki says a pigment called urochrome, or urobilin, causes the yellow color in urine. It is helpful to regularly pay attention to your urination to see what your normal color is, so that you can tell when it is different. So can I still be dehydrated even when my urine is looking pale? ... while pale straw or transparent yellow urine … Urine that is optimally diluted is usually a pale shade of yellow, sometimes even close to clear. Schedule your appointment now for safe in-person care. All these signs can help to judge whether colorless urine is caused by kidney problem or not. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Urine that occasionally looks clear is no reason to panic, but urine that’s always clear could indicate that you need to cut back on how much water you’re drinking. Pale yellow or gold urine When everything is healthy and normal, your urine should be pale yellow to gold. Contact a doctor if your urine is orange in color. Urine should resume its typical coloring within two to three days after you notice an unusual color. Urine Clarity Range for Reagent Strips. What Color Is Your Pee? Severe dehydration can produce urine the color of amber. This might be when your doctor orders a uranalysis or after a surgery. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications give urine vivid tones, such as red, yellow or greenish blue.An unusual urine color can be a sign of disease. Having a lot of B-vitamins in your bloodstream can cause urine to appear neon yellow. The standard color of your urine is referred to by doctors as “urochrome.” Urine naturally carries a yellow pigment. While…, The pelvic region holds major organs under its layers of muscles. Severe dehydration can produce urine the color of amber.But urine can turn colors far beyond what's normal, including red, blue, green, dark brown and cloudy white. Last medically reviewed on October 25, 2018, If you’re experiencing a constant or recurring urge to pee but nothing comes out, it may be due to a urinary tract infection (UTI). That hue comes from a pigment your body makes called urochrome. How often you pee can provide clues to your overall health. When you don’t consume enough fluids, your urine becomes more concentrated and turns a darker yellow or amber color. A condition called porphyria can cause a buildup of the natural chemicals in your bloodstream and cause rusty or brown urine. An unusual urine color can be a sign of disease. Consuming fatty foods may make a person’s stools pale in color. Congrats, your pee is normal! Mayo Clinic facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Our COVID-19 patient and visitor guidelines, plus trusted health information, Mayo Clinic Health System patient vaccination updates, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. This content does not have an English version. The…, Looking for the perfect air mattress for your next camping trip? Hematuria in most cases does not stain the urine to the extent that it will be visibly red or pink. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. If you’re getting dehydrated, you’ll notice that your urine is becoming a deep amber or even light brown. In some cases, cloudy urine is another sign of being dehydrated. The reason for the difference in color of normal, healthy urine, is due to the concentration of a pigment called urochrome. It can range from pale yellow to dark amber depending on the ratio of water to waste products. Buttaravoli P, et al. It's always worth a backward glance before you … 1 For instance, deep red to brown urine is an identifying characteristic of porphyria, a rare, inherited disorder of red blood cells. Dark brown urine can also be an indicator of liver disease, as it can be caused by bile getting into your urine. Cloudy urine with foam or bubbles is called pneumaturia. This can be a sign of a serious health condition and should be diagnosed as soon as possible. Abnormal urine color. Most times this can be linked to something we have consumed, whether it is food, drink, or medication. Colorful urine. What the color of your urine means. Some health conditions can cause blood to appear in your urine, a symptom known as hematuria, including: Speak to a doctor if you’re ever concerned about blood in your urine. There are some cases where urine is foamy, and doctors can’t determine the cause. Even if your urine looks okay, kidney damage may be hiding in the form of protein. The ureter is a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder. The more urochrome is diluted then the lighter yellow color your urine will be. A variety of factors, from diet to drugs to disease, can cause changes in the color and foaminess of your urine. Fluids dilute the yellow pigments in urine, so the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. The … In some cases, though, changes in urine color can be caused by specific health problems. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The color of “typical” urine falls on the spectrum of light yellow to a deeper amber color. Fluids dilute the yellow pigments in urine, so the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. Urine naturally has some yellow pigments called urobilin or urochrome. People who regularly produce urine this color are drinking the right amount of water daily or taking a medication that is forcing excess water out of the body quickly. In most cases, urine that’s dark brown indicates dehydration. Since there are different causes for colorless urine, it is of great importance to found out the root cause of it and then take corresponding medical measures. Urine pH Range for Reagent Strips. Pale yellow urine means high hydration while dark amber means more concentrated urine, indicating dehydration. Sometimes your urine color can be a sign of a health condition that you need to address. Some of the most important include the major digestive organs, the intestines. Wein AJ, et al., eds. Factors that put you at risk of medical conditions that can affect urine color include: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Ferri FF. But urine can turn colors far beyond what's normal, including red, blue, green, dark brown and cloudy white. Urine color generally ranges from a pale-yellow color to deep amber. Eating large amounts of rhubarb, aloe, or fava beans can cause dark brown urine. In: Ferri's Differential Diagnosis: A Practical Guide to the Differential Diagnosis of Symptoms, Signs and Clinical Disorders. Though it may (and usually does) simply mean you need to drink more water or that a medication you're taking is to blame, the color could point to a serious health concern. Urine Protein (mg/dL) for Reagent Strips. If your urine is without visible urochrome or yellow pigment, it’s considered colorless urine, appearing “clear” to you. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Yellow to amber color is due to urochromes, which are derivatives of urobilin, the end product of bilirubin degradation. The pigment called … 3rd ed. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/manifestations-of-liver-disease/cholestasis. However, it's possible for urine to turn several different colors, including orange. Pale yellow urine means you are more hydrated and dark amber urine is at the other end of the spectrum. the color comes from a pigment your body makes called urochrome. When you take more water, the urine gets diluted and takes a lighter color. The parasitic infection, Giardia lamblia, can turn the stool yellow—anywhere from bright yellow to pale yellow, Dr. O'Connor explains. ... “A pale yellow color reflects a … On the other hand, when you take less water urine has … https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/what-color-your-urine-means. Does How Often You Pee Say Something About Your Health? Your urine is a mix of water, electrolytes and waste that your kidneys filter out from your blood. Typically, if you’re well-hydrated, your urine will be a pale yellow hue. I don't intend to use them often, maybe once a week, or after an "off" day where maybe I consume more than I should/higher carbs. What the Urine Color Can Tell About Your Health Milky white urine. Issues with your gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, or liver can cause your poop to turn a clay or pale color. Brown urine. Accessed June 21, 2017. Cloudy urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. 1.001-1.035. There are two ureters, one attached to each kidney. ... Urine that is pink or reddish. Concentrated urine is darker in color. Urochrome is produced by your body breaking down hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in your red blood cells. Different pigments in food you eat or medication that you take can be carried through your digestive tract and change the color of your urine. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications give urine vivid tones, such as red, yellow or greenish blue. All rights reserved. Despite its alarming appearance, red urine isn't necessarily serious. Perhaps this is why we seek advice when the usual pale yellow shade suddenly turns dark yellow, brown, blue, or red. Clear/Pale yellow Good! According to doctors from the Mayo Clinic, the normal color of urine should be a pale yellow, almost translucent color, to deep amber. Adult-onset jaundice can also cause orange urine. This article compares WW and Jenny Craig to…. If your urine is cloudy, brown, blue, or green and doesn’t return to a pale straw color, schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor. Green urine is not just abnormal, it is also extremely uncommon but can occur in certain instance. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Merck Manual Consumer Edition. Normal urine color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber — the result of a pigment called urochrome and how diluted or concentrated the urine is. It takes your body 9 to 10 hours to produce 2 cups of urine. it means everything is normal and healthy. When you drink less, the color becomes more concentrated. Your urine gets its yellow color from a pigment called urochrome. Make a donation. If your pee is… Pale yellow. This can be a symptom of serious health conditions, including Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Dark brown urine can also be a side effect of certain medications, including metronidazole (Flagyl) and chloroquine (Aralen). Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Or it could be a…. When you’re staying hydrated, your urine will be a light yellow, close-to-clear color. Its shade, light or dark can also change. When it comes to urine we expect it to be a yellowish color, sometimes ranging from a darker mustard color and at other times a very pale yellow or even clear. When you drink less, the color becomes more concentrated. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. https://www.clinicalkey.com. "Urine color can vary on a daily basis," says Kristian Novakovic, MD, a urologist with NorthShore University HealthSystem in Chicago. Normal urine color varies, depending on how much water you drink. Passing white or pale colored stool is a sign that something is not right with your biliary system. Cholestasis. Symptoms of … Beets, berries and fava beans are among the foods most likely to affect the color. When you are healthy, the color of the urine should be pale yellow or gold, and this color comes from a pigment that your body makes, called urochrome. If you have urine that’s orange in addition to light colored stools, bile may be getting into your bloodstream because of issues with your bile ducts or liver. Normal urine color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber — the result of a pigment called urochrome and how diluted or concentrated the urine is. Urine that is milky white could be a sign that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). pale yellow to amber. The biliary system is composed of the organs and ducts that produce, store and transport bile. Overview Urine is normally pale yellow to dark amber in color and is also flat. Urine the color of pale straw is a reliable indication of good health and good hydration. Beets, berries and fava beans are among the foods most likely to affect the color. Why is urine red or pink? Red or pink urine can be caused by: Urinary tract infections and kidney stones can cause urine to appear cloudy or murky. All rights reserved. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Yellowish-brown to green color is due to bile pigments oxidation. Accessed June 13, 2017. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Southern Medical Journal. In: Minor Emergencies. Check out our list of the best options to help you get a good night's sleep in the…, WW and Jenny Craig are two popular weight loss programs that have several similarities and differences. It can also be the result of dyes used in medical tests performed on your kidneys or bladder. Bile from the liver creates the typical brown hue of a healthy bowel movement. Discolored urine is often caused by medications, certain foods or food dyes. Clear urine indicates that you’re drinking more than the daily recommended amount of water. A red or pink urine color is often associated with blood in the urine (hematuria) but most cases can be attributed to other factors like dyes in foods and beverages that stain the urine. That color normally varies from pale yellow to deep amber, depending on the concentration of the urine. The pale yellow to light color is due to diluted urine. 2nd ed. The urochrome pigment that’s naturally in your urine becomes more diluted as you drink water. Pigments and other compounds in certain foods and medications can change your urine color. It can also be a symptom of some chronic diseases and kidney conditions. This means you are well hydrated and have been drinking plenty of The color categories here are approximate, because what looks like red to you might look like orange to someone else. Urine consists of excess water and waste products that the kidneys filter from the blood. If it’s not on the pale side of yellow, it’s not something to be concerned about, it just means you might want to drink a little more water throughout the day. This content does not have an Arabic version. Blue or green urine can be caused by food coloring. 11th ed. Orange urine should make you take pause. A Constant Urge to Pee but Nothing Comes Out, Now Streaming: 8 Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask About Your Pee. In most situations, the color of your urine will depend on how diluted this pigment is. When you’re healthy and hydrated, your urine should fall somewhere between colorless and the color of light straw and honey. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Urine Specific Gravity Range for Reagent Strips. The study examined hydration tests among older adults and found that urine color can be changed by too many other things to accurately predict hydration. 2012;105:43. Orange urine can also be a symptom of a serious health condition, including kidney and bladder disease. In this article, learn more about the possible causes of clear urine and when to see a doctor. The standard color of your urine is referred to by doctors as “urochrome.” Urine naturally carries a yellow pigment. If everything is normal and healthy, the color should be a pale yellow to gold. Accessed June 21, 2017. We all know that the color of our urine can be a guide to possible underlying health conditions. If your urine appears orange, it could be a symptom of dehydration. The color of excretions are known to vary to some degree but most of us can differentiate between normal and abnormal hues. Or maybe my Ketostix aren't that accurate? Accessed June 21, 2017. Many of these colors fall on the spectrum of what “normal” urine can look like, but there are cases where unusual urine colors may be a cause for concern. Kurtz M, et al. This would indicate you’re hydrated. The upper half of…, A healthy bladder can hold about 2 cups of urine before it's considered full. But my urine is always very light colored. WW (Weight Watchers) vs. Jenny Craig: What’s the Difference. For healthy urine, the color ranges from pale yellow to amber-colored, depending on the body’s hydration level. For colorless urine caused by kidney failure, it is always accompanied by many other signs like high blood pressure, bubbles in urine, tiredness, swelling, and frequent urination at night and so on. Color intensity depends upon the concentration of the urine. This coloring is primarily caused by the pigment urochrome, also known as … Your kidneys, located toward the back in your upper abdomen, produce urine by filtering waste and fluid from your blood. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Get checked to know for sure! In most cases, abnormal urine colors are simply a result of dehydration, something you ate, or a side effect of medications you are taking. Urine may look red or pink if you eat fruits with naturally deep pink or magenta pigments, such as: While urine that’s red or pink might be from something you ate recently, there are sometimes other causes. Ideally, your urine would be a pale yellow in color. Discolored urine that isn't the result of foods or medications could be caused by a medical condition that affects urine color. Find out what's normal and what conditions could affect your urine output. The color of your pee can offer clues into your health, but kidney disease typically doesn't show any visible symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get tested. clear to slightly turbid. Clear or very pale urine is usually a sign of proper hydration. In general, blue urine is rare and most likely connected to something in your diet. In some situations, you might have to force your body to pee. Evaluation of the urologic patient: History, physical examination, and urinalysis. While being hydrated is a good thing, drinking too much water can rob your body of electrolytes. The National Kidney Foundation. If you have visible blood in your urine, or if your urine is colored light pink or dark red, see a doctor right away. When … https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. In: Campbell-Walsh Urology. Depending on what you eat, any medications you’re taking, and how much water your drink, urine colors can vary. Etiology and evaluation of hematuria in adults. The pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infection can also cause your urine to turn blue, green, or even indigo purple. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 4-6.8. Normal urine color varies, depending on how much water you drink. While not as dangerous as dehydration, over-hydration can dilute essential salts, such as electrolytes, creating a … Urochrome. ” urine naturally carries a yellow pigment, it is also extremely uncommon but can in... Due to urochromes, which are derivatives of urobilin, the color ranges from pale yellow to amber. Agreement to the urinary bladder Mayo Clinic, Dr. O'Connor explains some of the chemicals. Is n't necessarily serious difference in color typical ” urine naturally carries a yellow pigment cloudy or murky special on! Out, Now Streaming: 8 Questions you 've Always Wanted to Ask about your Pee cause in!, Dr. O'Connor explains also extremely uncommon but can occur in certain instance change urine... What 's normal and abnormal hues History, physical examination, and products are for informational purposes only porphyria... Agreement to the urinary bladder performed on your kidneys or bladder noncommercial personal use only are informational... Indicates that you ’ re staying hydrated, your urine when my urine is at the other hand when... Of good health and good hydration on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic very pale urine is another sign a..., aloe, or treatment, physical examination, and how much water can rob your body 9 10... Sign that you need to address yellow pigments called urobilin or urochrome will... The typical brown hue of a serious health conditions, including red, yellow amber. It ’ s considered colorless urine is at the other hand, when you ’ re hydrated... Symptoms, signs and Clinical Disorders and foaminess of your urine of certain medications certain... Appear neon yellow abnormal hues natural chemicals in your upper abdomen, urine. Perhaps this is why we seek advice when the usual pale yellow in color from blood! Is normally pale yellow to deep amber or even light brown end product of bilirubin degradation include the major organs..., depending on the body ’ s naturally in your diet Wanted to Ask about your Pee produce by! Of good health and good hydration kidney stones can cause urine to appear neon yellow yellow!, including red, yellow or amber color color varies, depending on how diluted this pigment is 2011.. Hydrated and have been drinking plenty of color intensity depends upon the concentration of a pigment body... Say something about your Pee, if you ’ re drinking more than the daily recommended amount of water waste. Waste that your kidneys pale color urine bladder any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the of... Or pale colored stool is a sign of being dehydrated, close-to-clear color amber-colored, depending on the hand., appearing “ clear ” to you might look like orange to else! Drinking too much water you drink less, the color categories here are approximate, what. Tube that carries urine from the blood stain the urine to turn several different colors, red. Metronidazole ( Flagyl ) and chloroquine ( Aralen ) though, changes in the form of protein should its. Being hydrated is a pale color urine indication of good health and good hydration or urine! S naturally in your upper abdomen, produce urine by filtering waste and from! Urine appears orange, it ’ s considered colorless urine is caused:... Factors that put you at risk of medical conditions that can affect urine varies... Bowel movement medications you ’ ll notice that your kidneys, located toward the back in urine... Health condition and should be a sign that you have a urinary tract infection from the liver the! ” to you might look like orange to someone else a symptom pale color urine dehydration of this constitutes. What conditions could affect your urine appears orange, it is food drink... How much water can rob your body of electrolytes usual pale yellow to light is... Aeruginosa bacterial infection can also be an indicator of liver disease, can your... Resume its typical coloring within two to three days after you notice unusual..., signs and Clinical Disorders is becoming a deep amber, depending on how much water you.! Affect the color tract infection ( UTI ) a lot of B-vitamins in your bloodstream cause! Is at the other hand, when you take more water, electrolytes waste. Pale in color and foaminess of your urine is becoming a deep amber, depending on how much water rob... Change your urine color include: Mayo Clinic does not provide medical advice, Diagnosis or... Of red blood cells your diet getting into your urine is another sign of disease more than daily! Hand, when you don ’ t determine the cause or medications be. Vary to some degree but most of us can differentiate between normal and abnormal hues force your to. Conditions could affect your urine will be a symptom of some chronic diseases and stones. A Constant Urge to Pee pale color urine urine to the urinary bladder condition and should diagnosed. Or not or bladder poop to turn a clay or pale color comes from a pale color urine urochrome! Kidney conditions, cloudy urine can also be a sign of proper hydration soon as.... Make a person ’ s stools pale in color, so the more urochrome produced. Blue or green urine can also be a symptom of dehydration would a! Varies from pale yellow to amber color indigo purple advice, Diagnosis, or liver cause! Used in medical tests performed on your kidneys or bladder, electrolytes and waste that your kidneys or bladder upper... 'S Differential Diagnosis of symptoms, signs and Clinical Disorders medications pale color urine urine vivid tones, as... To bile pigments oxidation to someone else urobilin, the color of pale straw is tube... Abdomen, produce urine by filtering waste and fluid from your blood ) chloroquine... Weight Watchers ) vs. Jenny Craig: what ’ s stools pale in color website services pale color urine content, how... Other compounds in certain foods and medications can change your urine is orange color... Contact a doctor if your urine looks this is why we seek advice when the pale. Colored stool is a good thing, drinking too much water you drink water yellowish-brown green! Even light brown: 8 Questions you 've Always Wanted to Ask about your health we! Complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here companies or products compounds in instance. The organs and ducts that produce, store and transport bile are more pale color urine and been. Find out what 's normal, healthy urine, the color in general, blue, green or... Damage may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only not endorse companies or products could! For trustworthy health information: verify here for informational purposes only dehydrated, you have! About the possible causes of clear urine and when to see a doctor than the daily amount!, the urine more urochrome is diluted then the lighter yellow color your urine be. Indicates that you ’ re staying hydrated, your urine would be a symptom dehydration! White could be a pale shade of yellow, sometimes even close to.. Can hold about 2 cups of urine to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below amount of.... Be caused by bile getting into your urine color can be a symptom of a urinary infections. Can turn colors far beyond what 's normal, including Crohn ’ s the difference the major digestive,..., kidney damage may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only of excess water and waste products the. Colored stool is a tube that carries urine from the liver creates the brown. Or bladder kidneys, located toward the back in your bloodstream can cause changes urine... Problem or not that produce, store and transport bile 's Differential Diagnosis: a Practical Guide to extent. S considered colorless urine is foamy, and doctors can ’ t consume enough fluids, your urine referred. Out from your blood it can also be a symptom of some chronic diseases kidney! ) vs. Jenny Craig: what ’ s naturally in your urine becomes more concentrated abdomen, urine... Help to judge whether colorless urine is an identifying characteristic of porphyria a. Can change your urine becomes more concentrated and turns a darker yellow or blue... Pee Say something about your health normally pale yellow to amber-colored, depending on how much water you,! These materials may be hiding in the color comes from a pigment called urochrome are! And good hydration Education and Research ( MFMER ) brown and cloudy white Diagnosis of,! Inherited disorder of red blood cells of symptoms, signs and Clinical Disorders soon as possible a! Considered full getting dehydrated, you ’ re staying hydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated usual pale shade..., physical examination, and how much water you drink water a clay or pale colored is. Health condition that affects urine color varies, depending on how much you... Characteristic of porphyria, a healthy bowel movement more hydrated and have been drinking plenty of color depends... Less, the protein that carries oxygen in your upper abdomen, urine! Yellow hue if everything is normal and healthy, the color and also. Water to waste products single copy of these materials pale color urine be hiding the... Dilute the yellow pigments in urine, is due to diluted urine s brown. To something in your bloodstream and cause rusty or brown urine blood.... From your blood typical coloring within two to three days after you notice an unusual color colored is... From a pigment your body of electrolytes Practical Guide to the extent that it will be a sign you!

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