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A member asked:
I have eaten beetroot for years and it has never happened before, but in recent months, it turns the urine red every time. is it ok to continue eating it? is it harmless?
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
"Beeturia": Thank you for asking this -- you gave me opportunity to learn something new today! i knew beets could color your urine pink to red, but didn't know this had a term: "beeturia." it is harmless -- and comes from betalain (betacyanin) pigments such as betanin. The color varies between people, and depends on how acidic your stomach is & the type of beets you eat. Some are more colorful.
Answered 11/5/2016
5k views
Yes it can cause red: Yes you can get beeturia after eating beetroots, the color is variable btween people and does not always happen.It can bo strong to no color, and is dependent on somach acidity and dilution of urine by fluid intake.It may be related to increased iron absorption, and discuss with your doctor. You may continue eating it and it will not cause any harm to you as long as you are not overloaded with iron.
Answered 7/21/2013
5k views
OK/Harmless however:: This is called beeturia; it affects about 12% of people. The beet pigment is harmless but it is interesting that you have developed it recently; the 2 best-known causes are low stomach acid a & iron deficiency, so you should consider these. Low stomach acid is a common problem most docs know nothing about! see http://www.Helladelicious.Com/our-food/flavor/2012/11/beeturia-low-stomach-acid/.
Answered 8/16/2013
5k views
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