What causes the temporary condition known as beeturia after eating beets?

Answer

Pigments (betalains) are not fully broken down

Beeturia is the term used to describe the temporary discoloration, often red or pink, observed in urine or stool following the consumption of beets. This harmless phenomenon occurs because the pigments responsible for the beet's color, the betalains, are not entirely metabolized or broken down during the digestive process. As these intact pigments pass through the gastrointestinal tract and are excreted, they impart their color to bodily waste products. While startling for those unfamiliar with this effect, it is a benign sign that the pigments have moved through the system. The frequency and intensity of beeturia can vary widely between individuals, depending on unique factors like the composition of their gut bacteria and the overall speed at which they process these specific pigments.

What causes the temporary condition known as beeturia after eating beets?

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