Recent research suggests that reducing dietary protein may slow the development of liver cancer in people with impaired liver function, but healthy people may not need to worry.
New research shows that reducing protein intake may reduce the risk of liver cancer or slow the progression of liver cancer in people with liver disease.
Rutgers University Scientist It has been highlighted that ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, may be a potential source of tumor growth when liver function is impaired.
However, in people with healthy livers, protein metabolism usually works efficiently and prevents the buildup of harmful ammonia.
Why liver health is important for protein metabolism
When the body digests protein, nitrogen-containing compounds can be converted to ammonia, a substance that is toxic at high levels. A healthy liver converts ammonia to urea and safely excretes it as urea.
Problems occur when liver function declines. Symptoms of fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc. chronic alcohol use It can weaken this detoxification process. This causes ammonia to build up, which can affect the development of cancer.
Researchers believe that disruption of normal organ chemistry can re-establish the environment for tumor formation and growth.
What we learned from the Rutgers study
People with impaired liver function may be able to reduce their risk of liver cancer or slow its progression by making simple changes to their diet by reducing their protein intake.
A Rutgers-led study published in Science Advances found that a low-protein diet slowed liver tumor growth and cancer death in mice. pic.twitter.com/jCzJ2wM8R9
— Rutgers Cancer Institute (@RutgersCancer) January 29, 2026
The study, published January 9, 2026 in Science Advances, used an experimental mouse model to investigate the association between protein intake, ammonia metabolism, and liver cancer.
Key findings include:
- Mice fed a low-protein diet developed liver tumors more slowly.
- Animals with impaired ammonia-processing enzymes had faster tumor growth and higher mortality rates.
- Excess ammonia appears to be redirected to biological components necessary for tumor growth, such as amino acids and nucleotides.
These results suggest that ammonia is not just a waste product, but may actively promote cancer cell development when the liver’s detoxification system malfunctions.
Liver cancer remains difficult to treat
Liver cancer is often detected late and can be difficult to manage. In the United States, the five-year survival rate is about 22 percent. Estimates from 2025 show approximately 42,240 new infections and over 30,000 deaths.
Risk factors include:
- fatty liver disease Affects approximately 1 in 4 adults in some populations
- Chronic viral hepatitis infection
- Alcohol-related liver damage
- liver cirrhosis
Because this liver condition is so common, the potential impact of diet on cancer risk has received significant research interest.
Should I reduce my protein intake?
The researchers cautioned against generalizing their findings. People with healthy liver function usually process protein safely, so there is no need to reduce protein intake just to prevent liver cancer.
However, people with liver disease may benefit from carefully managing their protein intake under medical supervision.
Experts emphasize:
- cancer treatment Adequate protein is often necessary to maintain muscle mass and strength.
- Excessive protein restriction without a doctor’s guidance can lead to poor health.
- Dietary adjustments should consider overall nutrition, stage of disease, and liver function.
Role of ammonia in tumor growth
One of the most important findings of this study was that excess ammonia may contribute directly to tumor biology, rather than simply accumulating as a toxin.
According to the researchers,
- Ammonia rise It can be converted into molecules that cancer cells use to grow.
- This metabolic pathway may help explain why liver disease increases cancer risk.
- Controlling ammonia levels through diet may be an adjunctive preventive strategy for certain patients.
conclusion
Recent research suggests that reducing protein intake may limit ammonia accumulation and slow the development of liver cancer in people with impaired liver function.
Regular protein intake is safe for healthy people. Dietary changes, especially for people at risk for liver disease or cancer, should always be supervised by a health care professional.