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An excess intake of protein, specifically in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 grams per kilogram of body weight, can lead to the potential accumulation of ammonia in the body. This occurs because the metabolism of protein generates nitrogenous waste, which is converted into ammonia before being excreted. The liver plays a significant role in detoxifying ammonia through the urea cycle. When protein consumption exceeds the body's ability to metabolize and excrete the byproducts, particularly in the case of high protein diets, ammonia levels can rise to toxic levels.

While lower levels of protein intake can generally be managed by the body's metabolic systems, the threshold of 2.0 - 3.0 grams per kilogram marks a tipping point where individuals, especially those with compromised liver functions or certain metabolic disorders, may struggle to process excess nitrogen efficiently, leading to ammonia toxicity. Thus, this range is critical to consider for maintaining metabolic health and preventing potential side effects associated with high protein diets.