Urobilinogen is a substance formed in the intestines when your body breaks down bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. Bilirubin is processed in the liver, secreted into bile, and then released into the intestines, where bacteria convert it into urobilinogen. Some urobilinogen is reabsorbed into the bloodstream and excreted by the kidneys into urine, while the rest is eliminated in feces.
When measuring urobilinogen in urine, we’re assessing liver function, bile production, and how the body is handling the breakdown of red blood cells. It can serve as a marker for both liver health and certain blood-related conditions.