What is the normal range for urine pH?

The normal range for urine pH is typically between 4.5 and 8.0. This range reflects the body's ability to regulate acid-base balance and can vary depending on diet, hydration, and metabolic activity. Urine pH serves as an important diagnostic tool; for example, a lower pH might be indicative of conditions such as metabolic acidosis or certain types of renal tubular acidosis, while a higher pH can suggest urinary tract infections or underlying metabolic conditions.

Focusing on the context, the range of 4.5 to 8.0 captures the variability of urine pH in healthy individuals. Urine can be more acidic when a person consumes a high-protein diet and more alkaline when consuming a vegetarian diet, demonstrating how dietary factors influence urinary pH. This variability underscores the importance of considering physiological and dietary factors when interpreting urine pH in clinical practice.