A study published on Thursday revealed that opting for a vegan or vegetarian meal in just one sitting can reduce harmful ammonia levels in adults with liver cirrhosis. The research was conducted by experts from Richmond VA Medical Center and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.
Thirty meat-eating Adults undergoing treatment at the medical center were offered a burger containing 20 grams of protein. Ten participants were served a traditional pork and beef patty; another ten received a vegan meat alternative; and the remaining individuals were presented with a vegetarian bean burger. The meal was accompanied by low-fat potato chips, a whole-grain bun, and water, with no condiments or toppings permitted.
Before and after the meal, blood and urine samples were collected, revealing that individuals consuming the meat burger exhibited elevated levels of amino acids linked to ammonia production and hepatic encephalopathy compared to those who consumed a non-meat burger. Hepatic encephalopathy is a neurological condition resulting from severe liver impairment.
Factors that can increase the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy include increasing the source of toxic products, enhancing the sensitivity of brain tissues to toxic products, reducing the tolerance of brain cells to toxic products, and causing an increase in blood-brain barrier permeability. The main factors are:
Gastrointestinal bleeding
It is the most common cause of hepatic encephalopathy. In cases of liver cirrhosis with esophageal varices rupture, a large amount of blood enters the intestines, leading to increased ammonia production from protein breakdown by bacteria. Additionally, massive bleeding reduces circulating blood volume, which can result in liver, brain, and kidney ischemia, exacerbating their functional impairments and promoting the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.
High-protein diet
Excessive protein intake is a common cause of hepatic encephalopathy, especially in patients with portosystemic shunts who are more sensitive to the toxic effects of protein metabolites in the intestines. Elevated blood ammonia levels can trigger hepatic encephalopathy.
Blood transfusion
The daily increase in ammonia content in stored blood can lead to ammonia toxicity, promoting the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.
Drugs
Sedatives and anesthetics can increase the burden on the liver, aggravate liver damage, and induce hepatic encephalopathy.
Other factors
Infection, large-volume ascites, alcohol abuse, and other factors can also induce hepatic encephalopathy.
During the digestion process, intestinal bacteria generate ammonia. Normally, the liver processes this waste product, but in cases of significant liver damage, this function is compromised, leading to an accumulation of the toxic compound in the brain.
The study authors emphasize that gut bacteria and dietary choices can impact ammonia levels in the body.
"It was truly promising to observe that even minor dietary adjustments, for instance, occasionally opting for a meat-free meal, could have a positive impact on liver health by decreasing harmful ammonia levels in cirrhosis patients," stated Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj, a gastroenterologist at VCU. Bajaj and his team advocate for further exploration into the effects of vegan diets on cirrhosis and ammonia levels.
In the interim, they recommend that healthcare providers encourage liver patients who typically consume meat to consider substituting it with protein sources from plants or dairy.