Rutgers study suggests low protein diet may slow liver cancer by reducing toxic ammonia levels

Rutgers researchers find that reducing protein intake lowers ammonia levels, which can slow liver tumor growth and improve survival in those with liver damage.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 6:20 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Rutgers University

The Link Between Protein and Tumor Growth

A study led by researchers at Rutgers University has identified a significant metabolic connection between dietary protein and the acceleration of liver cancer. Published in Science Advances, the research demonstrates that in subjects with impaired liver function, protein consumption leads to a buildup of ammonia that the liver is unable to process into urea. This excess ammonia is not merely a waste product but acts as a driver for cancer development, as tumor cells incorporate the nitrogen from ammonia into amino acids and nucleotides necessary for rapid multiplication.

Impact of Ammonia Clearing Impairments

The researchers used gene editing tools in mice to observe the effects of shutting down enzymes responsible for processing ammonia. The study found that mice with impaired ammonia handling systems developed significantly larger tumor burdens and experienced higher mortality rates compared to those with intact metabolic systems. Senior author Wei-Xing Zong, a professor at the Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, noted that while the clinical observation of impaired ammonia handling in cancer patients is decades old, this study confirms that the resulting ammonia buildup is a primary driver of tumor growth rather than a secondary consequence of the disease.

Dietary Intervention and Survival Rates

To test a practical application of these findings, the team placed mice on a low protein diet to limit the nitrogen supply available to form ammonia. The results showed a dramatic improvement, with the low protein group exhibiting slower tumor growth and significantly longer survival periods. While individuals with healthy livers can efficiently convert ammonia into safe urea for excretion, these findings are particularly critical for the millions of Americans living with fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or viral hepatitis, conditions that compromise the liver's metabolic capacity.