Bright neon-yellow pee is usually from taking too much riboflavin (vitamin B2) from supplements.Sometimes supplements may contain other ingredients like vitamin C, beet powder or dyes that can change urine color.If you notice sudden changes, like red or dark brown urine, visit a health professional.<\/p>\n
If you look in the toilet after you pee\u2014which I actually encourage\u2014you may be surprised to see what looks like a melted yellow highlighter in the bowl. That neon color obviously didn\u2019t come from a marker, but more likely from one of your vitamins.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cRiboflavin, or vitamin B2, causes bright yellow urine<\/a> because it is actually a yellow-colored compound,\u201d notes Andrea McCollum, M.B.A, RD<\/a>. Certain supplements, especially riboflavin and other water-soluble vitamins, can change the color of your pee. We asked dietitians to explain why it happens, what normal urine looks like and when it might be worth checking in with a health care professional.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Why Your Pee Turns Yellow with Certain Supplements <\/p>\n The most common culprit behind neon-yellow pee is riboflavin, or vitamin B2. Naturally yellow, riboflavin is even fluorescent under ultraviolet light. \u201cWhen your body takes in more riboflavin than it needs, the extra is flushed out through your urine, and because it\u2019s a strong color, it can make your pee look bright or even neon yellow,” says Isabella Swiecicki-Allen, RD<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \u201cSome other water-soluble vitamins can also cause some discoloration when they\u2019re taken in excess, but they really don\u2019t compare to the discoloration caused by vitamin B2, or riboflavin specifically,\u201d adds McCollum.\n<\/p>\n Riboflavin may be taken on its own, as part of a B-complex supplement<\/a> or in a multivitamin. Since B vitamins are water-soluble, your body doesn\u2019t store large amounts, so it excretes what it doesn\u2019t need. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to get B vitamins\u2014including riboflavin\u2014through your diet every day. Fortunately, it\u2019s found in many common foods, such as fortified cereals, oats, steak and dairy products, making it easy to get into your diet.\n<\/p>\n If you\u2019re already meeting your riboflavin needs through food, taking a supplement can give you more than your body requires. Many multivitamins and other supplements can deliver 100% of your daily needs\u20141.3 milligrams for men and 1 mg for women\u2014so the extra is simply excreted in your urine.\n<\/p>\n Should you be worried? For most people, no. \u201cThis yellow coloration is not considered to be dangerous,\u201d adds McCollum. Since it\u2019s a water-soluble vitamin, any excess is removed through urine. Still, it\u2019s best to stay within the recommended daily limits unless your health care provider advises otherwise.\n<\/p>\n Other Supplements That Can Change Pee Color <\/p>\n While riboflavin is the most common cause of brightly colored urine, other compounds found in foods and supplements can also have an effect, including:\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Vitamin C. Swiecicki-Allen notes that high doses of vitamin C<\/a> may darken urine or give it a slight yellow-orange tint, which may be more noticeable when you\u2019re dehydrated. What Is \u201cNormal\u201d Urine Color? <\/p>\n For healthy individuals, urine color is often influenced by hydration status, food, beverages or supplements. \u201cWhat we want is to make sure we\u2019re drinking enough, so shooting for a pale yellow urine is good when it comes to hydration status,\u201d says McCollum.\n<\/p>\n When you\u2019re dehydrated, urine may appear dark yellow or amber because it\u2019s more concentrated. Staying hydrated is important for overall health, including proper kidney and bladder function. Checking the color of your urine can be a simple way to monitor your water intake and know when it\u2019s time to drink up.<\/p>\n When to Speak to a Health Professional <\/p>\n Although bright yellow pee from riboflavin is usually harmless, changes in your urine color can sometimes signal a more serious health issue, such as kidney or liver problems or an infection. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it\u2019s a good idea to consult your health care provider:\n<\/p>\n Red or blood-colored urineDeep brown, tea-color or cola-colored urineUrine that is cloudy or frothyYou experience pain or burning while urinating or notice a strong odor\u00a0Sudden changes to your urine but you haven\u2019t changed your diet or supplements<\/p>\n Our Expert Take <\/p>\n Bright yellow pee can be surprising the first time you see it, but if you\u2019re taking a supplement containing riboflavin (vitamin B2), it\u2019s simply your body flushing out any excess. \u201cIf you feel like you\u2019re wasting your vitamins when you see that bright yellow, just know your body is doing its job and it\u2019s absorbing what it needs,\u201d states McCollum. Other supplements, medications or even foods\u2014like beets or artificial dyes\u2014can also change the color of your urine.\n<\/p>\n To stay on top of hydration, aim for urine that is pale yellow. Checking your urine can also help you spot more serious health issues, such as blood in your urine, which is a sign you should consult a health care professional.<\/p>\n
\nBeta-carotene: Beta-carotene, which gives carrots and sweet potatoes their orange color, has been known to give the skin a yellow-orange pigment if eaten in excess and may also slightly color your urine.
\nBeetroot. Beets contain water-soluble compounds known as betalains<\/a>, which give them their rich reddish-pink color. Supplements made with beet powder may cause your pee to turn a similar pinkish-red shade\u2014a phenomenon known as beeturia\u2014just like how this may happen from eating a meal containing beets.
\nMethylene Blue. Methylene blue is sometimes added to unregulated traditional remedies for its vivid color, and is marketed in supplements claiming to \u201cenhance mitochondrial efficiency,\u201d although no scientific evidence supports these uses. In some cases, overuse of products containing methylene blue may tint urine a blue or green color.
\nOther Edible Dyes. Certain supplements or foods may contain dyes that can change urine color.<\/p>\n