Colonic pH Reduction for Decreased Ammonia Absorption (Colonic pH Reduction)

The therapeutic strategy of lowering the pH within the colon (making it more acidic) in order to reduce the absorption of ammonia from the gut into systemic circulation. This mechanism is particularly relevant in managing conditions like hepatic encephalopathy, where elevated blood ammonia levels contribute to neurotoxicity.

Other names

Lowering Colonic pHIntestinal AcidificationAmmonia Trapping in ColonGut pH Modulation

Lowering colonic pH increases conversion of freely diffusible ammonia (NH₃) into ammonium ion (NH₄⁺), which is not readily absorbed across colonic mucosa. Acidification also alters colonic microbiota, favoring non-urease-producing bacteria. Some agents also act as cathartics, increasing stool water content and accelerating transit time.