Urine color

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Definition

Normal urine color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber — the result of a pigment called urochrome. But urine color isn't always normal.

B vitamins turn urine an eye-popping neon yellow, for instance. Carrot juice can tint it orange. And porphyria, a disease that affects your skin and nervous system, earned its reputation — and its name — by turning urine the color of port wine.

Most changes in urine color are harmless and temporary — the result of certain foods, dyes, supplements or prescription drugs. Occasionally, though, unusual urine color can indicate an infection or serious illness. Talk to your doctor about changes in urine color that persist or don't seem linked to medications or food.

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Symptoms