Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Author:      durwood
Text:        What color is urine supposed to be?  What does it mean if it a 
different color?

Response #:  1 of 2
Author:      psych
Text:        Urine typically is a shade of yellow.  There are a few disorders 
which change the color of urine in a dramatic way.  To be specific one should 
see their doctor.  Generally when urine gets brown or Coke colored it suggests 
a liver or bile duct problem.  Red urine can be blood or can look red from 
certain medicines.  Black urine is classic for a genetic defect.  The shades 
of yellow of urine are usually related to the concentrated of urine.

Response #:  2 of 2
Author:      wizkid
Text:        Something that can really change the color of urine is the 
vitamin B2 (riboflavin).  If you swallow a vitamin B2 supplement, and the 
amount is more than your body needs, the vitamin is excreted in the urine.  
The urine will be a VERY bright yellow - almost fluorescent (except it 
probably will not glow in the dark!).  But there is nothing wrong with you 
when this happens - it is just your body getting rid of extra vitamin B2.  
Some health authorities use this as an example that taking large doses of 
vitamins only makes expensive urine.  However, nutritionists who advocate 
large vitamin supplementation counter by saying that it is only when the 
excess amounts of vitamins spill over into the urine that you know for sure 
that your body is getting the maximum amount of the vitamins.