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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
Certain organic facts are so frequent that they do not raise any questions for us. But do you know why your urine is golden yellow? Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, answers this question which does not necessarily come naturally.
Do you know why urine is yellow? This can be part of the unusual knowledge, which science is still looking into. But do you know the answer? Why does our body produce colored liquid even when we drink water?
The yellow pigment, the result of normal degradation
The answer lies inside your body, as Dr. Gérald Kierzek explains.
“The yellow color is linked to bilirubin, a pigment linked to the breakdown of hemoglobin”.
A study published in January on the subject describes the process: “When red blood cells reach the end of their life cycle – usually after about 120 days – they are broken down in the liver. One of the byproducts of this process is a bright orange substance called bilirubin, which is secreted by the liver into the intestine. Bacteria in the intestine convert bilirubin into a colorless substance called urobilinogen. This substance then degrades into urobilin, a yellow pigment which gives its color to urine..
Differences in color depending on the situation
However, this yellow can vary in intensity, which you have undoubtedly observed when peeing in the morning for example.
- The dark or light color of the urine varies depending on the hydration state of the person,” our expert tells us. So the more hydrated you are, the lighter your urine is, but the less you have drunk, the darker it is.
- More surprisingly, your urine can sometimes appear fluorescent yellow.”This is the case if you take vitamin B12” announces Dr. Kierzek.
- Or even red, if you take certain antibiotics, such as anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Finally, the color can be accompanied by a particular smell depending on your diet. “Which can be the case after eating asparagus, cabbage or garlic.” But be careful on this point: a strong odor can also be a sign of a urinary infection.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional quickly.
Slide: The different colors of urine and their meaning