YOU OLD GASBAG!

The gases in your body. This week: Ammonia

AMMONIA is a colourless, pungent gas made from nitrogen and hydrogen and is most commonly associated with smelling salts.

But it is also produced from amino acids by cells throughout the body. Ammonia is found in the blood, and has been shown to widen blood vessels.

It could also protect against arteries furring up, according to a Missouri University study last year. Researchers found that ammonia produced by cells in the lining of arteries triggers the release of various compounds involved in protecting blood vessels.

Urine, which contains ammonia, has long been used as a folk remedy for jellyfish stings, but its effectiveness has been disputed. Researchers at Stanford University are still investigating ammonia as a treatment for this.

It is also being looked at as a potential antibacterial treatment for sepsis.