This is indeed an important physiological observation that debunks the common myth about the harm of protein due to ammonia formation.
When a person limits protein intake, believing that this will reduce the burden on the liver and kidneys (due to ammonia as a byproduct), they overlook the main fact: the body still needs protein. Proteins — are the building blocks for enzymes, hormones, immune cells, muscles, and organs. In the case of protein deficiency, the body begins to break down its own proteins — primarily from muscles, and in severe cases, from internal organs.
What is ammonia and where does it come from
When amino acids (the main components of protein) are broken down, an amino group (–NH₂) is formed, which is converted into ammonia (NH₃) in the body. This toxic compound is quickly neutralized in the liver, where it is converted into urea and excreted through the kidneys with urine — this is the normal and safe pathway.
What happens on a low-protein diet
Against the backdrop of protein deficiency:
- Catabolism of muscle tissue is activated — muscle protein is broken down to meet the minimum needs of the body.
- At the same time, ammonia is produced directly in the tissues, where there are no specialized enzymes or cells to quickly neutralize it. It accumulates locally, which can cause cytotoxicity, disrupt cell function, and lead to inflammation.
- Subsequently, amino acids and protein remnants enter the bloodstream and reach the liver, where the second stage occurs — ammonia formation in the intestines (especially in the large intestine) under the influence of putrefactive bacteria.
- In the intestines, some ammonia is reabsorbed into the bloodstream, creating additional stress on the liver, which is already working in a compensatory mode.
Why more ammonia is produced, not less
In practice, it turns out that on a full diet, ammonia is produced once — during food digestion, and is immediately utilized. And on a protein deficiency:
- First — in the tissues (where it is harmful),
- Then — in the intestines (where some of it will still enter the bloodstream).
Thus, more ammonia is produced even than with normal protein consumption, and it circulates longer, causing more toxic stress to the body.
Conclusion
The fear of ammonia with protein consumption — has no physiological basis if there are no serious liver function disorders. On the contrary, protein deficiency increases ammonia load and makes it less controllable.
