Beeturia - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Beetroot is one of the most popular and healthful vegetables, whether in chocolate cake, pizza, or salad. But it might be a shock for some people to know what happens after they eat beetroot: red poop and pee. A visit to the washroom sometime after eating a tasty beet leaves a scarlet-colored trace. The technical term for red beetroot pigments in urine or stool is called beeturia. Approximately 10 to 14 percent of the general population experiences this colorful surprise after eating beetroot.

Mostly, beeturia is considered harmless, but it can be a sign of iron deficiency in some individuals. The article below explains what causes red poop and pee. And whether it is a cause of concern if one experiences it for the first time.

What Is Beeturia?

Beetroots are root vegetables that are packed with many health benefits. They contain vitamins and nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. And consuming beets can boost brain power, increase energy levels, and improve the immune system. But there is a side effect of eating beetroots that surprises some people. Beetroots can cause beeturia, which is when urine turns red or pink.

What Causes Beeturia?

Having noticed red or pink urine for the first time can be scary, and there is a tendency to think the worst. But beeturia is a harmless condition. The discoloration in the urine is due to a compound in beets called betanin, which gives the vegetable its red pigment. Some individuals may have difficulty breaking down this pigment. After the consumption of beets, betanin moves through the body and eventually makes its way to the kidneys, where it is flushed from the body, resulting in red or pink urine.

Even though beeturia is not considered a cause for concern and usually dissipates on its own, red or pink urine after beetroot consumption can sometimes indicate health problems. Therefore, consulting a doctor would be necessary if there is discolored urine every time after eating beets. Red or pink urine after the ingestion of beetroot can sometimes indicate a symptom of an iron deficiency. This occurs when the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to different body parts. A study found that this condition has been observed in about 66 to 80 percent of people with an untreated case of iron deficiency anemia.

A few other symptoms of iron deficiency can include:

• Tiredness.

• Hair loss.

• Breathlessness.

• Coldness.

• Legs cramps.

• Mood swings.

Beeturia can also develop in people with reduced stomach acid. A healthy level of stomach acid is required by the body to absorb minerals, nutrients, and vitamins.

Low stomach acid makes it difficult for the body to digest and absorb nutrients. Therefore, the body may have trouble breaking down the red pigment in beetroot. So, one may notice red or pink urine after eating beets or drinking beet juice. Bloating, gas, and constipation are some signs of low stomach acid in the body.

What Are the Symptoms of Beeturia?

The primary and most obvious symptom of beeturia is discolored urine or stools. Urine appears to have red or pink color pigmentation after eating beetroot or foods and juices that contain extracts or pigments of beetroot. The extent of discoloration varies from one person to another and depends on what has been ingested. For instance, raw beetroot juice can lead to dark red or dark pink urine. But if eating cooked beets, the urine may be a lighter shade of pink or red.

How to Diagnose Beeturia?

Even if one believes the pigment in beetroot is responsible for the red or pink pigmentation in urine, it is still necessary to speak with a doctor if discoloration happens often.

The doctor can perform several tests to see whether an underlying condition may be causing this discoloration. These tests may involve one or more of the following:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) - CBC allows the doctor to examine the number of red blood cells to confirm or rule out anemia.

• Urinalysis - The doctor can use this test to check kidney function by examining the urine for traces of blood and bacteria.

• Stool Analysis - This test involves examining a stool sample to rule out the possibility of blood in the stool.

• Heidelberg Test - This test allows the doctor to check the level of stomach acid.

A doctor may diagnose beeturia if the blood test and other laboratory tests turn normal and there is no blood in the urine or stool.

What Is the Treatment for Beeturia?

Beeturia is a harmless condition, so treatment is not necessary. However, if a condition contributes to red or pink urine when eating beets, a doctor will help to know what treatment is best.

• When red or pink urine is due to an iron deficiency or low stomach acid, getting rid of beeturia involves treating the underlying problem.

• Internal stomach, rectum, or pelvic bleeding can cause iron deficiency anemia. An endoscopy (examination of the digestive tract), an ultrasound of the pelvis, and a colonoscopy (examination of the inside of the colon) can identify the location of bleeding.

• The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or contraceptives if a heavy menstrual cycle or ulcers is responsible for the deficiency.

• Or they may suggest surgery for removing a bleeding tumor or fibroid (noncancerous growth in the uterus).

• In cases of iron deficiency in the absence of internal bleeding, the doctor may recommend iron supplementation to help boost the production of red blood cells.

• Lowering the dose of an H2 blocker or proton pump inhibitor (used to treat acid reflux) can help increase stomach acid.

• The doctor may even recommend a digestive enzyme, such as Betaine HCL with pepsin, to elevate the acid level in the stomach.

No treatment for beeturia is required when the tests rule out other conditions. Drinking more water increases urination and helps eliminate the pigment from the body sooner.

Conclusion

Red or pink urine can be scary or alarming, but it is not usually a cause for concern. But it is better to notify a doctor if one notices discoloration every time eating beets or if it is difficult to tell whether this discoloration is blood. Seeing a doctor is also important if beeturia occurs with other symptoms, which could indicate iron-related or stomach problems.