The yellow pigment comes mainly from **urochrome**, a natural waste product produced as the body breaks down hemoglobin.
The exact shade can change depending on:
* How much you drink
* How concentrated your urine is
* Foods
* Vitamins
* Medications
A pale straw-yellow color is usually a good sign of normal hydration.
## Dark Yellow or Amber Urine
Dark yellow urine often means the urine is more concentrated.
Common causes include:
* Not drinking enough
* Sweating heavily
* Hot weather
* Exercise
* Fever
* Vomiting or diarrhea
If dark urine becomes lighter after drinking fluids, dehydration is a likely explanation.
Persistent dark urine despite adequate hydration deserves more attention.
## Orange Urine
