Beeturia: Why Your Urine Turns Red — and Why It's Harmless
Why beets turn urine pink or red in some people, how common it is, and when it might be worth checking your iron.
Last updated October 9, 2026 • Reviewed by Dr. A. Reviewer, M.Sc. Nutrition • Based on peer-reviewed sources
Short answer: Pink or red urine after beets affects about 10–14% of people and is harmless.[Sauder et al., 2023 50]
Key takeaways
- ✓Pink or red urine after beets affects about 10–14% of people and is harmless.[Sauder et al., 2023 50]
- ✓It is more common with iron deficiency, so frequent beeturia can be a reason to check iron levels.[Sauder et al., 2023 50]
What causes it
The red pigment betanin is normally broken down by stomach acid and in the gut. When it survives, it passes into urine or stool.[Sauder et al., 2023 50]
Oxalic acid in the meal helps protect the pigment, which is one reason the effect varies from meal to meal.[Eastwood et al., 1995 51]
Who gets it
It is more common in people with iron deficiency or low stomach acid.[Sauder et al., 2023 50]
When to see a doctor
Red urine without having eaten beets — or with pain or other symptoms — should always be checked, as it may be blood.[Sauder et al., 2023 50]
Educational information only — not medical advice. Talk to your clinician before changing your diet or medication.
References2 peer-reviewed sourcesShow allHide
- 50.Sauder HM, et al. Beeturia. StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf. 2023. View source
- 51.Eastwood MA, et al. Beeturia and colonic oxalic acid. QJM. 1995. View source
Claims marked [*] are awaiting a verified source.