My urine is dark yellow, although I drink a lot – why? | Why is the urine actually yellow?

My urine is dark yellow, although I drink a lot – why?

Dark yellow urine is often associated with the amount of drinking.It is said that the urine becomes clearer, light yellow if you drink a lot. If you drink less, the urine becomes more concentrated and darker in color. It is possible that you subjectively, i.e. from your own perspective, drink a lot.

Every person needs a different amount of fluid. If you consume more, you have to drink more. It can help to drink more water in a self-experiment and observe the color of your urine.

It is helpful to drink water and teas instead of sweet lemonades, which contain dyes and preservatives. But dark yellow urine can also have other causes. Certain drugs, such as some antibiotics for malaria, cause dark yellow urine.

There are also diseases of the liver such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver and metabolic diseases (e.g. porphyria), Meulengracht’s disease and jaundice. These clinical pictures make the urine darker. If the urine does not become lighter although you try to drink more fluids, you should consult a doctor to rule out a disease that is responsible for the coloration. This topic might also interest you: Urine examination

How is neon yellow urine produced?

Neon yellow, intensely glowing urine is often caused by the intake of dietary supplements containing vitamin B2. Vitamin B2, riboflavin, is often taken to support the digestion and metabolism of amino acids, fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B2 promotes energy metabolism and protein biosynthesis.

An overdose causes no known consequences. Side effects are often a coloration of the urine. The urine becomes yellow-orange to neon yellow.

The urine becomes neon yellow if, for example, food supplements containing large quantities of vitamin B are taken. The neon yellow color of urine is not dangerous and is more of a cosmetic side effect. The bright color is caused by excess vitamin B2, which is excreted with the urine.