Red urine or stool is likely to throw us off. The first thought may be blood, which is never a good sign. But is it really a bloody urine or an outcome of eating beetroots? In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Sumaiya A, Clinical Dietitian, CDE, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, discusses the condition beeturia and explains why it occurs.
Understanding The Science Behind Beeturia
“After consuming beetroot or meals containing beets, some people may develop an innocuous disease known as Beeturia,” says Sumaiya, adding that a substance called betalain, which is abundant in beets, gives the urine and stool their red hue. The characteristic red colour is brought on by the compound's breakdown in the digestive tract, which can result in it being absorbed into circulation and excreted in the urine and faeces, she explains.
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Research suggests that the typical colour can range from pink to deep red, and adds that beeturia is prevalent in 10-14% of the world population, with increased risk among those who are iron deficient or afflicted with malabsorptive diseases.
How To Know If Red Urine Is Due To Beets Or Something Else
According to the dietician, it is crucial to remember that beeturia is not a significant medical issue and typically doesn't call for medical treatment. However, if someone has the condition for the first time and is worried, they can consult a medical expert to determine the cause, she recommends.
Given that symptoms of beeturia may resemble that of other serious digestive disorders, such as stomach ulcers, it is important to differentiate between the two. This involves may typically be careful monitoring.
“Only after consuming beets does beeturia develop, and it is red-coloured. In contrast, stomach ulcer-related blood generally appears darker and is more maroon or black-coloured when it appears in the stool or urine,” says Sumaiya, adding, “Along with other symptoms not commonly connected to beeturia, stomach ulcer symptoms might include discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
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Beeturia And Its Associated With Iron Absorption
Beeturia has also been associated with haemochromatosis. It occurs due to a variation in the hemochromatosis gene HFE, which regulates iron absorption in the body.
As per Lancet study beeturia is most common in individuals with enhanced iron absorption, which includes 66–80% in patients with untreated iron-deficiency anaemia,and 45% in patients receiving treatment for pernicious anaemia.
"As a sign of haemochromatosis, beeturia would occur earlier in life than the other known signs of the disease, having been recorded in infants and children," the study adds.
Symptoms of haemochromatosis include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular menstruation in women
- Joint pain and stiffness (especially in the hands)
- Bronze or greyish skin colour
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- High blood sugar levels or diabetes
- Heart issues
Bottomline
Before reaching a conclusion, make sure you speak to your doctor if you experience red urine or stool. If you experience any other digestive issues along with a blood urine, it could be a sign of concern. However, if you had beets within 48 hours of time, it could also be beeturia, which is usually harmless. Ensure that you closely monitor your symptoms.