What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hematuria? Exploring the Vitamin-Urinary Link

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one large-scale study, vitamin D deficiency is correlated with an increased risk of hematuria, particularly in postmenopausal women. While this is a notable link, it is important to explore the full spectrum of factors, including other vitamin-related issues and more common medical conditions, when considering what vitamin deficiency causes hematuria.

Quick Summary

Studies suggest a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hematuria, especially in postmenopausal women. The article explores this link and discusses other, more common causes of blood in urine, highlighting the need for medical evaluation.

Key Points

Vitamin D Deficiency Link: Studies show a correlation between lower vitamin D levels and a higher risk of hematuria, particularly in postmenopausal women, although the relationship is often indirect.
Indirect Causes: Vitamin D deficiency can indirectly contribute to hematuria by increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones, both of which are common causes of bleeding.
Historical Scurvy Link: Historically, severe vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) was known to cause fragile blood vessels and result in bleeding, including hematuria.
Other Common Causes: Many common causes of hematuria are not vitamin-related, including UTIs, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, and certain medications.
Serious Causes: More serious conditions like kidney disease (e.g., glomerulonephritis) or cancer of the urinary tract are also potential causes of blood in the urine.
Seek Medical Advice: Because hematuria can be a symptom of a serious condition, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis rather than self-treating for a potential vitamin deficiency.

Correlation between Vitamin D Deficiency and Hematuria

While no single vitamin deficiency is a direct and universal cause of hematuria, scientific research has established a strong correlation between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of this condition. A large-scale population-based study in Korea, involving over 20,000 participants, found that inadequate or deficient serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were associated with a higher risk of hematuria, particularly in postmenopausal women. The mechanisms behind this link are complex and often indirect.

Vitamin D's Indirect Role in Causing Hematuria

Vitamin D's influence on the urinary system is multifaceted. Its deficiency can contribute to conditions that subsequently lead to blood in the urine. These indirect pathways include:

Risk of Urinary Stones: Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium from the intestine. In some cases, imbalances can increase the risk of urinary stones, which are a common cause of hematuria when they pass through the urinary tract.
Increased Risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune function. A deficiency can compromise the immune system, increasing susceptibility to UTIs. Hematuria is a known symptom of UTIs, resulting from the inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract lining.
Kidney Disease Progression: Low vitamin D status is frequently observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is linked to its progression. Kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, are a well-documented cause of hematuria.

Historical Link: Vitamin C and Scurvy

Historically, severe vitamin C deficiency, known as scurvy, was a direct cause of bleeding from various parts of the body, including the urinary tract, leading to hematuria. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency can lead to fragile blood vessels that are prone to rupture. While scurvy is rare today in developed countries, this historical link highlights the critical role vitamins play in maintaining vascular integrity, a fundamental aspect of preventing hematuria.

Non-Vitamin Causes of Hematuria

It is vital to understand that vitamin deficiencies are far from the most common cause of hematuria. Medical evaluation is always necessary to rule out more prevalent and potentially serious conditions. The underlying cause determines the appropriate treatment.

Common and Benign Causes

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections of the bladder (cystitis) or kidneys often cause hematuria.
Kidney or Bladder Stones: These mineral deposits can cause visible or microscopic bleeding as they pass through the urinary tract.
Enlarged Prostate: In older men, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate can compress the urethra, causing urinary difficulty and bleeding.
Vigorous Exercise: Intense physical activity, particularly long-distance running, can cause exercise-induced hematuria.

More Serious Conditions

Kidney Disease: Glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the kidney's filtering system, is a significant cause of hematuria. Inherited conditions like polycystic kidney disease can also cause bleeding.
Cancer: Tumors in the kidney, bladder, or prostate can be a source of blood in the urine. This is a primary reason to seek medical attention for hematuria.
Blood Clotting Disorders: Conditions like hemophilia can cause increased bleeding, including hematuria.
Certain Medications: Some blood thinners (anticoagulants) and pain relievers can lead to bleeding.

Comparison Table: Vitamin vs. Other Causes of Hematuria


Feature	Vitamin D Deficiency	Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency)	Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)	Kidney Stones
Causation	Indirect link via associated risks like infections or stones	Direct link from severe deficiency causing fragile blood vessels	Direct link from bacterial inflammation and irritation	Direct link from stones scraping urinary tract lining
Severity	Often microscopic and asymptomatic in the correlation found	Historically, could be severe, causing obvious bleeding	Ranges from mild to severe, can be painful	Often associated with severe pain, but sometimes asymptomatic
Prevalence	Correlated in a large portion of the population	Rare today in developed nations	Very common, especially in women	Common, especially in middle-aged and older adults
Symptoms	Often microscopic blood detected during a test	Generalized bleeding, fatigue, joint pain (historically)	Painful urination, urgency, fever	Severe back or side pain, nausea
Treatment	Addressing underlying issues, potentially supplementation	Vitamin C supplementation	Antibiotics	Hydration, sound waves, or surgery

Lifestyle and Dietary Strategies

For individuals with a diagnosed vitamin deficiency, dietary adjustments and supplementation may be recommended. However, this should always be done under a doctor's supervision, especially with kidney issues, as excessive intake of certain nutrients can be harmful.

Key Vitamins and Kidney Health

Vitamin D: Increase intake through sunlight exposure, fatty fish (like salmon), and fortified cereals. Supplementation may be necessary but must be monitored to avoid hypercalcemia and increased stone risk.
B Vitamins: A diverse diet including organ meats, fish, and fortified foods can help maintain adequate levels, especially important for individuals with chronic kidney disease.
Vitamin C: While crucial for overall health, high doses can increase urinary oxalate and kidney stone risk. Focus on moderate intake from fruits like berries and citrus.

Conclusion: The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

While research suggests a notable correlation between vitamin D deficiency and hematuria, particularly in postmenopausal women, it is rarely the sole cause. A direct link exists between severe, historic vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) and bleeding problems. Given the wide range of potential causes, from simple infections to serious conditions like kidney disease or cancer, any observation of blood in the urine, whether visible or microscopic, warrants immediate medical investigation. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the underlying issue and prescribe the most appropriate treatment, which may or may not involve addressing a vitamin deficiency. You can learn more about hematuria and its causes from the Cleveland Clinic: Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Cause, Risk Factors, & Treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, research has found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and hematuria, especially in postmenopausal women. The link is often indirect, as low vitamin D can increase the risk of UTIs or kidney stones, which are direct causes of bleeding.

Severe vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, historically led to fragile blood vessels and generalized bleeding. This included bleeding in the urinary tract, which resulted in hematuria.

High doses of certain vitamin supplements can cause problems. Specifically, excessive vitamin C intake can increase urinary oxalate levels and raise the risk of kidney stone formation, which can lead to hematuria.

Common non-vitamin causes of hematuria include urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney or bladder stones, an enlarged prostate in men, vigorous exercise, and certain medications.

You should seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can perform tests like a urinalysis and imaging to determine the cause, which could be benign or indicate a more serious condition like kidney disease or cancer.

A vitamin deficiency is typically a less serious cause compared to other potential conditions. However, the associated complications, such as a severe UTI or kidney disease, are serious. Therefore, the underlying reason must be identified by a doctor.

While diet alone may not prevent all cases, maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins can support urinary tract and immune health. Drinking plenty of water is also key to preventing common causes like infections and kidney stones.