Function of the Liver

A healthy liver does the following:

It regulates the composition of blood, including the amounts of glucose (sugar), protein, and fat that enter the bloodstream.
It removes bilirubin and other toxins from the blood. Bilirubin is a by-product of the breakdown of red blood cells.
It processes most of the nutrients absorbed by the intestines during digestion and converts those nutrients into forms that can be used by the body. The liver also stores some nutrients such as vitamin A, iron, and other minerals.
It makes cholesterol, vitamin A, substances that help blood clot, and certain proteins.

The picture shows the organs of the digestive system, including the liver.

The digestive system (including the liver)

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Last Revised	August 30, 2012

By:

Healthwise Staff

Last Revised: August 30, 2012

Medical Review:

E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

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