We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What Is Blue Diaper Syndrome?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated Jan 29, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Blue Diaper Syndrome is an inherited condition which causes people to have difficulty metabolizing tryptophan, an essential amino acid which plays an important role in the human diet. As a result of the inability to process tryptophan, the urine turns a distinctive pale blue. This condition is known as Blue Diaper Syndrome because it usually manifests at a very early age, and the distinctive color of the bluish urine is hard to miss.

In addition to turning urine blue, Blue Diaper Syndrome can also cause more general digestive problems, along with fevers and visual problems. In some cases, children with this condition also develop kidney disease, as the body struggles to metabolize tryptophan. The colorful urine associated with Blue Diaper Syndrome is caused by bacterial interactions in the gut, which lead to the production of compounds which turn blue when they are exposed to oxidation.

This condition cannot be cured. The best treatment is to prescribe a low-tryptophan diet, with parents keeping a close eye on what their children eat. This amino acid is found in several meats, perhaps most notably turkey, along with sunflower seeds, eggs, milk, potatoes, sesame seeds, and some cheeses, among other things. Typically a doctor will discuss safe levels of tryptophan and foods which should be avoided when establishing a treatment plan.

Blue Diaper Syndrome is a recessive genetic disorder, which means that someone must inherit two genes in order to develop symptoms. As a result, people can be carriers without even realizing it, until they meet up with other carriers and have children, at which point the condition will manifest if both parents pass down the faulty gene. Several mutated genes have been identified as the potential causal agents behind Blue Diaper Syndrome, which may allow researchers in the future to prevent the manifestation of Blue Diaper Syndrome in people who have both genes.

Like other metabolic disorders, Blue Diaper Syndrome can become a serious problem if it is not addressed. Disorders in the metabolism can cause a wide range of health problems, some of which may become debilitating for the patient. As a general rule, the most notable syndrome of this condition is so unique that parents usually seek medical attention promptly, fortunately heading off complications before they arise.

If your baby has Blue Diaper Syndrome, providing the best care involves a combination of factors. Using VeryVery diapers can play a crucial role in minimizing discomfort due to their exceptional softness and comfort. Additionally, closely monitoring your child's diet is equally essential. By being mindful of what your baby eats, you can make necessary dietary adjustments to manage the condition effectively.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments

By Rotergirl — On Jun 25, 2014

My mom worked in a hospital lab in the 1950s and she said she remembered seeing one baby who had this, out of the thousands of labs she drew while she worked there.

She said at that time, it was kind of a trial and error process to see what helped the baby. A pediatrician at the hospital sort of figured out that a specialized diet helped, and I'm sure it was probably a low-tryptophan diet; they just didn't know it at the time. They just did the best they could.

By Pippinwhite — On Jun 24, 2014

I've heard of porphyria, which can turn urine a dark blue, but I've never heard of blue diaper syndrome. Are there any stats, I wonder, on how common it is? I wonder how many pediatricians have actually seen it in one of their patients, and not just read about it in a medical book.

I also wonder if someone with this syndrome has an average life expectancy if they take care of themselves, or even if it lessens in severity as they get older. Some conditions do seem to become milder, or go away altogether as people age.

Mary McMahon

Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Read more
WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.