why is my urine yellow

The yellow color of urine primarily comes from a pigment called urochrome (also known as urobilin), which is a waste product formed when the body breaks down hemoglobin from old red blood cells. This pigment is filtered by the kidneys and gives urine its characteristic yellow color. The concentration of urochrome in urine can vary depending on hydration levels: more water intake dilutes the pigment, making urine lighter or almost clear, while less water leads to darker yellow urine. Additionally, certain vitamins (especially B vitamins like riboflavin), foods, and medications can affect urine color, sometimes causing it to appear bright yellow or darker shades. In summary, urine is yellow mainly due to the presence of urochrome, a breakdown product of hemoglobin metabolism, and its color intensity varies with hydration status and other factors like diet and supplements.