The liver is the largest solid organ in your body. In an adult, it can weigh up to 1.8 kg. Your liver is next to your stomach on the right side of your body just under your ribs. It holds over 13 percent of all the blood in your body.

Your liver is very special � it is the only organ in your body which can repair itself. The liver performs over 500 tasks vital to your health and well-being.

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Quick energy

Your liver breaks down food you eat turning it into energy when you need it. Carbohydrates are broken down and stored as glycogen in the liver. This can be quickly converted into glucose to give your body rapid energy supply when needed in an emergency.

People with liver damage may lose control of blood glucose levels and may need regular supply of sugar.

Cleans blood

Your liver removes waste products from your body. Whatever�s not removed by your kidneys are removed from the blood by your liver. It also removes bacteria and toxins from your blood.

Fights infection

Your liver holds over half of your body�s macrophages � a type of white blood cells which destroys foreign particles in your body and helps fight infection.

Your liver�s functions include the following:

• Filters out harmful by-products from food digestion, and distributes nutrients to other parts of your body.
• Controls the levels of fats, glucose and amino acids in your blood.
• Combats infections in your body.
• Clears the blood of particles including bacteria.
• Manufactures bile � a digestive juice necessary for the absorption of fat needed by the body.
• Neutralises and destroys drugs and toxins.
• Stores iron, vitamins and other essential minerals.
• Makes and regulates hormones including sex hormones.
• Makes enzymes and proteins which are needed for important functions in the body such as blood clotting and repair of damaged tissues.

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