What does the liver do?
The liver is the great chemical factory of our body. Many reactions take place in a liver cell to keep the body in balance. Substances from the blood are absorbed and processed from the intestinal area. In addition, non-usable substances are broken down so that they can leave the body through the urine and in the faeces.
Figure: the cell structure of the liver and the associated small blood vessels where nutrients are exchanged.
The main functions that the liver performs can be divided into energy management, detoxification, storage of nutrients, production of bile and other important substances.
- Energy and building materials for the body are made by the liver. These substances come from the food that is absorbed through the intestines. The liver has blood vessels with holes (sieve) through which the substances can be quickly absorbed into the liver cells (see figure above). Sugars, proteins and fats are processed by the liver in such a way that they can be absorbed by cells of our body. The liver stores sugars for when there is a quick need for energy, such as during exercise. Cholesterol and other fats are packed in the liver in such a way that other body cells can absorb them.
- In addition, degradation products are processed and rendered harmless and excreted in the bile. Bile salts, stored in the gallbladder, aid in the absorption of fats. The breakdown products are excreted in the intestine along with the bile salts and are then removed from the body through the faeces and urine. The liver is able to quickly clear the unhealthy substances. Alcohol, for example, is converted by the liver, but its processing also releases toxic substances. If these toxic substances are not processed and removed quickly, they can cause damage to the liver and other organs. Also, for example, when processing medicines, toxic substances can be released. Fortunately, the liver is able to quickly clear up the unfavorable substances because there are many chemical degradation pathways in the liver cell. A healthy liver has an enormous reserve capacity to process all these waste products as quickly as possible and make them harmless.
- The production of a large number of vital substances also takes place in the liver. This concerns the production of a very important protein albumin that ensures that sufficient fluid remains in the bloodstream. In addition, it binds all kinds of substances for transport in the body such as hormones, antibiotics and many other substances. The liver also plays an important role in the production of clotting factors, proteins to transport fats and bile salts to absorb fat.
- In order to perform its many functions properly, the liver needs many building materials that are stored in the liver cells, such as vitamin B12, iron and copper.