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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Evidence from Studies

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Amino acids, ammonia, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Narrative Review

2022 Jul 15

When people with liver problems eat protein, their bodies break it down and make ammonia, but their liver can’t remove it well—so ammonia builds up and can hurt the brain. This study says that’s true and explains why.

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Source Study

Amino acids, ammonia, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Score: 1

DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114696

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