Urochrome, a pigment in urine, causes its yellow color. Drinking liquids can dilute the color, so bright yellow pee may indicate dehydration. Some vitamins, medications, and health conditions can also cause it.

Urine color generally ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. This coloring is mainly due to the pigment urochrome, also known as urobilin.

The appearance of this pigment depends on how concentrated it is. Drinking water dilutes the pigment. The more water you drink, and the more hydrated you become, the lighter the pigment in your urine.

The pigments and chemical compounds in the foods you eat and the medications you take can also alter the color of your urine. These changes are usually expected and typically don’t last for long.

As mentioned above, the amount of water you drink primarily determines the color of your urine. When you drink lots of water, your urine can become so light that it appears almost clear. The less water you drink, the darker your urine will become.

Dark yellow or very pigmented urine may indicate you need to drink more water. However, other factors may also contribute. Below are some potential causes of bright yellow urine.

Diet, vitamins, and minerals

The color of certain foods, such as berries, beets, or processed foods containing high amounts of food dye, can interact with pigment in your urine to create a different color.

A 2024 study showed that riboflavin (vitamin B2) can significantly change urine fluorescence, causing brighter urine. When you consume excess riboflavin, your body cannot store it all and gets rid of it in your urine.

If you take B vitamin supplements or multivitamins containing riboflavin, they may be the source of your bright yellow urine. Meal replacement shakes, which manufacturers may fortify with B vitamins, can have the same effect.

Beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, is a type of carotenoid in yellow and orange foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes. Your body excretes carotenoids in urine, so high levels in your diet may lead to yellow or orange urine.

Vitamin C may also turn urine orange. In addition to citrus fruits, vitamin C is also in foods such as tomatoes, strawberries, and broccoli.

Dehydration

If you don’t properly hydrate, you may experience dehydration and darker urine. A small 2020 study associated dehydration with significantly darker and more yellow urine.

Factors that can contribute to dehydration include:

You may also notice a lower urine output when you’re dehydrated, meaning you urinate less than usual.

Medications

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can change the color of your urine. A 2025 case report highlights the following medications that can give your urine a brown or orange hue, which may look dark yellow:

Medical conditions

Bilirubin is a substance in the body that contributes to your urine’s yellow color. Conditions that cause a buildup of bilirubin may cause your urine to become darker.

This may occur when someone has issues with their liver or bile flow in the small intestine.

Pregnancy

Anecdotal evidence suggests that bright-yellow urine may be an early symptom of pregnancy. However, there are no studies to support these claims.

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Everyone has a different “normal” when it comes to urine color, but it should fall on the yellow spectrum.

The amount of water you drink affects whether the color is a pale yellow or a dark amber. People who drink more water and stay hydrated typically produce more diluted, pale urine than those who are dehydrated or drink less water.

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Dark or bright yellow urine is typically due to dehydration. However, other issues may cause different color changes or other urinary symptoms of concern.

For example, serious conditions such as cancer can cause bleeding, which turns your urine pink or red. Tell your doctor right away if you notice blood in your urine so that they can determine the cause.

UTIs are one of the most common types of bacterial infection. People with UTIs may experience bleeding, which can change the color of urine. An enlarged prostate gland may also cause blood in the urine.

Other potential issues that can cause blood in your urine include:

As with adults, any urinary tract bleeding in children is considered abnormal and should prompt immediate medical attention.

If you notice any abnormalities in your urine color, you should see your doctor. After scheduling your appointment, jot down any details that can help your doctor determine whether there’s a problem.

Consider the following:

  • When did you first start to notice the change?
  • Has your diet changed recently?
  • What medications or supplements are you taking?
  • Have there been any changes to your sleep patterns?
  • Have your bowel movements changed?
  • Do you have a rash anywhere on your body?
  • Have you had any headaches lately?
  • Have you had any problems with your vision?
  • Have you had any unexplained weight loss?
  • Do you have a history of smoking?
  • Has there been any change in your urinary habits?

When you meet with your doctor, they’ll discuss your health history and perform a physical exam. Depending on their assessment, your doctor may request a urinalysis or blood test.

A urinalysis can check for red blood cells, assess your urine protein levels, and determine what excreted materials are present. They may also check your urine for infection-causing bacteria. If there are signs of infection, they may order a urine culture.

Treatment options can vary, depending on what your doctor discovers from your tests. If your doctor discovers that your dark-yellow urine color is due to dehydration, they may recommend that you add more fluids to your diet.

Most adults should aim to drink six to eight glasses of water every day.

The color of your urine should return to its usual yellow color quickly. If your doctor finds signs of an underlying medical condition, they’ll treat you for that condition.

If your urine turns dark yellow, it may be your body’s way of telling you to drink more water. This change in color may be due to dehydration, so drink up.

Whether you’re sitting at the office, working out at the gym, or lying on the beach, it’s important to stay hydrated.

If you’re taking any medication that causes this discoloration, it’s likely harmless. You should continue taking the medication under the supervision of your doctor, unless they advise you otherwise.