DrFeb
Health Guide

Ammonia

Ammonia (NH₃) is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. While often associated with cleaning products, it is a crucial metabolic waste product in the human body, formed during the breakdown of proteins and amino acids. Under normal conditions, your liver converts toxic ammonia into a safe substance called urea, which is then excreted in urine. However, 'Ammonia' is also sold as a bizarre smelling salt or dietary supplement, often marketed for 'pumps' in bodybuilding. It is vital to understand that ingesting pure ammonia is dangerous and not a standard dietary nutrient like Vitamin C.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Ammonia
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Toxicity Risk vs. Intake

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Safety Risk Level
Intake Method →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why It Exists in the Body

Note: Ammonia is not a nutrient we seek to consume; rather, it is a byproduct our body manages. The 'benefits' here relate to the body's efficient handling of it.

  • Protein Metabolism: It indicates that your body is successfully breaking down dietary protein into amino acids for energy and repair.
  • Nitrogen Balance: It helps maintain nitrogen balance, which is essential for muscle growth and tissue repair.
  • Acid-Base Regulation: In the kidneys, ammonia helps regulate the pH of urine, ensuring it isn't too acidic.

Why People Use It (Supplemental Form)

  • Respiratory Stimulant: Historically, inhaling ammonia fumes (smelling salts) is used to jolt the nervous system and wake someone up from fainting.
  • Pre-Workout 'Pump': Some bodybuilders ingest extreme dilutions to induce temporary alkalinity in the stomach, theoretically increasing blood flow. This is risky.

Natural Occurrence

Unlike vitamins, you do not need to 'eat' ammonia. It is naturally produced by your gut bacteria when they break down dietary protein. It is found in trace amounts in fermented foods.

The Truth About Supplements

If you see 'Ammonia' as a supplement (often listed as Ammonium Chloride or Ammonia Carbonate):

  • Usage: Usually taken as a liquid dilution immediately before a heavy workout.
  • Dosage: There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for ammonia intake because it is not an essential nutrient. Ingesting it is purely experimental and potentially toxic.

Top Food Sources

Ammonium Bicarbonate
Found in some baked goods (rarely used now)
Protein Foods (Meat/Dairy)
Body produces ammonia breaking these down
Fermented Foods
Result of bacterial action
Household Cleaners
DO NOT INGEST - Pure NH3
Smelling Salts
Ammonium Carbonate

Frequently Asked Questions

Technically, yes, it is sold as one. However, it acts as an irritant to trigger a gasp reflex rather than a nutritional benefit. It is generally discouraged by health professionals.
You won't find it in fruits or veggies directly. It is a byproduct of protein digestion. High protein foods (meat, eggs, dairy) cause your body to produce more ammonia internally.
They believe it creates a temporary alkaline surge that increases blood flow (the 'pump') and focus. However, the risks of gastric distress usually outweigh the benefits.
Brief inhalation of diluted ammonia (smelling salts) is generally safe for reviving someone. However, frequent exposure to high concentrations damages the lungs.

Safety & Side Effects

⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING

Do not confuse this with household ammonia. Pure ammonia is corrosive.

  • Toxicity: If your liver cannot process ammonia fast enough (due to liver disease), it builds up in the blood (Hyperammonemia), leading to confusion, coma, and death.
  • Oral Ingestion Risks: Swallowing ammonia supplements can cause:
    • Severe burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach.
    • Electrolyte imbalances (Hyperkalemia).
    • Metabolic acidosis.
  • Who Should Avoid It: Everyone. There is no medical reason for a healthy person to ingest ammonia. It should only be used via inhalation (smelling salts) under strict supervision for fainting spells.

Scientific References

  • [1]Brosnan, J. T. (2005). 'The urea cycle.' *The Journal of Nutrition*. (Explains how the body safely converts ammonia to urea).
  • [2]Felipo, V., & Butterworth, R. F. (2002). 'Neurobiology of ammonia.' *Progress in Neurobiology*. (Details the neurotoxic effects of excess ammonia).
  • [3]U.S. National Library of Medicine. 'Ammonia poisoning.' *MedlinePlus*. (Safety data regarding toxicity).