Re: Does Sweat contain any ammonia.

Hi Phil -

Yes, sweat does contain ammonia, and it can come from two possible sources. Most of the ammonia derives from ammonia in the person's circulation. In addition, sweat contains urea and other nitrogen-contaning compounds. Some species of bacteria that live on the skin produce enzymes called ureases which degrade urea into ammonia plus carbon dioxide.

Hope this helps..

-L. Bry

References:
Z Ernahrungswiss 1997 Sep;36(3):237-43 Exercise-induced sweat nitrogen excretion: evaluation of a regional collection method using gauze pads. Colombani P, Spati S, Spleiss C, Frey-Rindova P, Wenk C

Eur J Appl Physiol 1992;65(2):135-7 Plasma ammonia is the principal source of ammonia in sweat. Czarnowski D, Gorski J, Jozwiuk J, Boron-Kaczmarska A

Int J Sports Med 1997 Jan;18(1):35-9 Lactate and ammonia concentration in blood and sweat during incremental cycle ergometer exercise. Ament W, Huizenga JR, Mook GA, Gips CH, Verkerke GJ