What it is
A darker-than-usual colour to the urine, ranging from amber to brown, which can reflect dehydration, dietary factors, or conditions affecting the liver or kidneys.
Emerging evidence
Dark Urine
A darker-than-usual colour to the urine, ranging from amber to brown, which can reflect dehydration, dietary factors, or conditions affecting the liver or kidneys.
CategoryDigestive
Reviewed by Ciara Magee · Functional Health
26 March 2026
At a glance
Dark Urine at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- People often notice darker urine first thing in the morning — which is normal due to overnight concentration. Concern arises when urine remains dark throughout the day despite drinking fluids, or when the colour shifts toward amber-brown without dietary explanation. Some notice accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or abdominal discomfort that indicate a more significant underlying issue.
