What foods can cause urine to turn red?

Under normal circumstances, consuming foods containing red pigments or tetracycline-class medications may cause red-colored urine. The details are as follows:

1. Foods with red pigments

If large amounts of red-pigmented foods such as dragon fruit or beets are consumed at once, the pigments may not be metabolized promptly and could be excreted through urine, leading to a change in urine color. If there are no accompanying physical discomforts, this is generally considered a normal phenomenon. Increasing water intake can help promote metabolism, and it is advisable to reduce consumption of foods high in pigments.

2. Tetracycline-class medications

Improper use of tetracycline hydrochloride tablets, rifampicin tablets, or other tetracycline or anti-tuberculosis drugs may also result in dark red or orange-red urine after the drugs are metabolized by the liver and kidneys.

In addition to the above common foods or medications, eating carrots or taking metronidazole tablets may also alter urine color. If the discoloration persists, timely medical evaluation is recommended to identify the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment accordingly.