What Makes Your Urine Pink?

You’re in the bathroom after a long hike, and you notice a distinct pinkish tint to your urine. Before the panic sets in, you remember…the beetroot salad for lunch! Discovering pink urine can be alarming. While it may not always be a major health concern, like Cheryl’s surprising discovery, it could indicate an underlying issue that warrants medical attention. 

The Colour of Urine

The appearance of urine provides vital clues about our health. The pigment that gives the urine its colour is urochrome. Urochrome is the product formed from the breakdown of haemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells). 

Urine colour typically ranges between pale yellow to dark orange, depending on the body’s hydration level. Darker brown urine could indicate a severe dehydration or a potential medical issue. 

In some cases, urine can turn pinkish due to several reasons. Here are some common ones:

What Can Cause Pink Urine?

The colour of urine can be influenced by many factors, including dietary habits and medical conditions.

Foods and Drinks

Consuming red-coloured fruits and vegetables such as beetroots and some berries, particularly in large amounts, can impart pinkish hues to urine. The discolouration is caused by natural pigments called betanin. 

Some people cannot break down the red pigment betanin, making it get flushed out from the body as pink urine. The intensity of the colour may vary.

For instance, raw beetroot juice can cause dark red or pink urine. Meanwhile, cooked beetroots can result in lighter colours.

Some artificial dyes in processed foods and drinks can also alter the urine colour.

Medications and Supplements

Some medications can colour the urine pink or reddish such as:

• Rifampicin (an antibiotic that treats tuberculosis)
• Phenazopyridine (a medication to relieve urinary discomfort) 

Supplements containing beetroot extract may also have a similar effect.

Blood in the Urine (Haematuria)

See a doctor immediately when you have pain and bloody urine. 

One of the more concerning causes of pink urine is the presence of blood in urine, or haematuria. Haematuria can be caused by several factors:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are bacterial infections in the urinary tract. UTIs can irritate the urinary tract, causing blood to leak into the urine.

Urinary Stones

Urinary stones are hard masses formed from the hardening of minerals in the urine. It can result in bladder or kidney stones. These stones can damage the urinary tract as they pass, causing bleeding and pink urine.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH or enlarged prostate is a common medical condition for men as they age after 50. Prostates grow larger naturally as men age. Though rare, BPH can sometimes cause haematuria due to the enlarged blood vessels on the surface of the prostate.

Trauma or Injury

Falls, sports injury, or even strenuous sports such as running or a strenuous workout can cause blood in the urine. Aerobic activities may break down more red blood cells, contributing to pinkish urine.

Menstruation or Vaginal Bleeding

In women, menstrual blood or vaginal bleeding can mix with urine and create a pinkish tint.

Rare Genetic Conditions

Porphyria is a rare genetic disorder that affects the production of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that help transport oxygen around the body. In porphyria, certain enzymes that convert a natural chemical called porphyrins to haeme (a part of haemoglobin) are absent.

Without the enzymes, porphyrins build up in the body and cause pink urine. 

Cancers

Some malignancies like bladder, kidney or prostate cancers can lead to blood in the urine. 

What Should You Do If You See Pink Urine? 

While pink urine may not always be an emergency, it is essential to determine the cause, especially if the colour change persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Step 1: Check Your Diet and Medications

• Have you have recently eaten brightly coloured red foods like beetroot or berries?
• Have you recently started on new medications or supplements with potential side effects related to urine colour?

Step 2: Monitor Symptoms

Seek a doctor immediately if you have additional urinary symptoms:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Severe abdominal or lower back pain
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Difficulty urinating
• Visible blood clots in urine
• Feeling dizzy and confused
• Fever or chills

Key Takeaways

Pink urine might seem unusual, but it’s your body’s way of communicating. Whether it’s beetroot at lunch or something more serious, paying attention to the colour of your urine can help you stay in tune with your health.

Do not flush immediately after peeing. Take a moment to observe your urine colour. If in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious issues.