Unusual urine color: What causes a bright yellow hue?

In a recent discussion, three health professionals - Dr Johanna Ward, Dr Zoe Watson, and Dr Aishah Iqbal - shared insights about the colour of urine and what it might indicate.

Dr Johanna Ward warns against the sight of orange or red urine, which could potentially signal blood in the urine. Such a condition may be caused by various factors, including urinary tract infections or cancer, and should be checked by a medical professional.

Dr Zoe Watson explains that dehydration leads to a higher concentration of waste products in urine, including urobilin, causing a darker yellow color. Intense yellow urine color is often caused by dehydration, as concentrated urine contains higher amounts of the pigment urochrome; darker urine indicates more severe water deficiency. However, Dr Johanna Ward advises against over-drinking water, as it could potentially lead to diluted urine that appears clear.

Bladder or kidney problems and liver disease can also cause urine discoloration. Dr Clarissa Lenherr describes the ideal urine color as 'lemonade color with a light yellow hue'. Urine should be a pale yellow to amber color, with the shade depending on the concentration of the pigment urobilin, according to Dr Aishah Iqbal. If your urine turns bright yellow a few hours after taking a multivitamin, it is a normal response to the excess B vitamins being excreted, Dr Johanna Ward explains. This does not mean all the vitamin goodness has been peed out without absorption, but is the body's way of maintaining itself by excreting excess water-soluble vitamins.

Certain over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and laxatives can cause bright yellow urine. Eating beetroot can temporarily change urine to pink or red color. Pregnancy does not cause neon yellow urine, but it might be due to B vitamins in prenatal vitamins.

The growth of the wellbeing gadget market has seen the possibility of a device attached to a toilet that tests urine for health markers. If urine color changes and it's not due to dehydration, medication, or beetroot consumption, seeking medical advice is advisable. The article does not provide information on the cause of yellow urine if it is not related to dehydration, medication, pregnancy, or beetroot consumption.

Dr Zoe advises seeking medical advice if the color of urine is a cause for concern. She emphasises the importance of staying hydrated to maintain a healthy urine colour and overall health. Dr Johanna Ward suggests ensuring your diet is full of colourful fruit and vegetables to replenish water-soluble vitamins. Dr Aishah Iqbal mentions the need to be aware of the potential effects of medications on urine colour.

In conclusion, understanding urine colour can provide insights into one's health status. While certain factors like dehydration, medications, and diet can influence urine colour, abnormal changes should not be ignored and should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.