Some types of protein building blocks (amino acids) make more ammonia than others when broken down — especially in people with liver problems.

Pro

Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Community contributions welcome

Amino acids, ammonia, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Narrative Review

2022 Jul 15

Contradicting (0)

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No contradicting evidence found

Gold Standard Evidence Needed

According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

Amino acids, ammonia, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Score: 1

DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114696

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When people with liver problems eat protein, their bodies break it down into ammonia, which can build up and harm the brain.

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