Role of the Liver

 The liver is undoubtedly the most hardworking organ in the body, performing approximately 500 functions that keep you healthy. According to Michigan Health, the liver is responsible for holding up to 13% of the body’s blood supply and plays a key function in digestion. The following are some of the most important functions of the liver:

Filtering and processing all ingested food, alcohol, and medication, storing nutrients or sending them out into the bloodstream, and getting rid of toxic substances through urine or stool.

Regulating energy by removing sugar from the blood and storing it as glycogen, then converting that glycogen to glucose. When blood sugar levels drop down, the liver releases some stored glucose into the bloodstream for the cells to use.

Breaking down fats, producing cholesterol, converting excess protein and carbs as well as storing them for later use, and producing bile that helps in digestion of fatty food and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins [ A, D, E, K]

It also stores vitamins and minerals to prevent their shortage. It also aids in the release of plasma proteins such as albumin and clotting factors which are necessary for blood to clot.

Because liver injury and disease can have a significant impact on overall health, maintaining your liver in good shape is essential. A few vitamin deficits have been linked to liver illnesses, while their precise roles aren’t well understood.

Vitamins for Liver Health

Vitamin deficiencies can trigger a lot of problems, so it’s vital to eat a well-balanced diet to promote healthy liver function. However, there’s presently no solid scientific evidence that the vitamins for liver play a specific role in disease prevention or treatment.

Make sure you have enough important vitamins for liver in your diet to help your liver work properly. If your diet isn’t providing enough, you may want to think about taking supplements. Some of the pivotal vitamins for liver health have been listed below:

Vitamin A and Iron

According to a study published in the 2000 issue of Nutrition, vitamin A and iron deficits are amongst the most frequent dietary deficiencies worldwide. Vitamin A deficiency can lower iron levels that may cause anemia, whereas low iron can cause vitamin A levels in the liver to drop. Iron deficiency anemia is better treated with vitamin A in combination with iron than with either of them alone.

Although vitamin A is one of the best vitamins for liver repair, large doses can be harmful to the liver. Iron may encourage the production of scar tissue in the liver. Those with chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, should avoid iron-fortified multivitamins unless their doctor confirms that they are deficient in iron.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is considered one of the most essential vitamins for liver health. According to experts from the University of Tennessee in Memphis, vitamin D deficiency affects more than 90% of people with chronic liver disease. Cirrhosis, an advanced version of liver disease that can progress to liver cancer, was shown to have a higher rate of severe vitamin D insufficiency, according to the researchers.

In addition, vitamin D insufficiency has been related to pathogenesis of liver disease caused by hepatitis B (HBV), a virus that damages the liver, according to a 2013 study. Excessive vitamin D, which is mainly caused by taking too many supplements, can lead to a loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting as well as increased calcium levels in the blood and stunted growth.

Vitamin E

Because of oxidative stress, people with NAFLD and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a form of NAFLD) have low amounts of vitamin E in their blood. When you don’t have enough antioxidants to neutralize other molecules called free radicals, you get oxidative stress, which causes harmful imbalance in the body. Cells are harmed by this, which might be caused by alcohol, drugs, or other reasons.

A potent antioxidant, vitamin E for fatty liver supports the balance of antioxidants and free radicals. Furthermore, a 2014 study found that individuals who got vitamin E for fatty liver over the period of 96 weeks had lower inflammation and fat content in their livers, as well as less liver cell death.

Similarly, vitamin E provides numerous benefits for people with liver disorders, but too much of it can be dangerous. Vitamin E in excess of 1,200 IU per day might thin the blood and induce bleeding.

Vitamin B12

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin B12 is the only B-complex and water-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver for years. Water-soluble vitamins for liver, on the other hand, are rarely stored and must be ingested on a regular basis to maintain enough levels for good health.

A healthy diet and supplementation of vitamins for liver detox can help you in keeping your liver healthy. Those with chronic liver illness, on the other hand, should be conscious of the amount of vitamin E, vitamin A, and iron in their diet. Treating chronic liver disease will be made easier by learning what to look for and selecting a suitable multivitamin.

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that aids in the neutralization of other molecules known as free radicals. When there aren’t enough antioxidants in the body, it causes oxidative stress, which can injure cells and lead to liver disease. Vitamin C also aids in the prevention of fat buildup in the liver, which can contribute to fatty liver disease.

Conclusion

Now you know how critical it is to add these vitamins for liver health in your diet. Deficiency can result in not only liver damage and diseases but a slew of other health issues as well. In general, a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and healthy fats can offer all the vitamins for liver that your body needs. Take this World Liver Day as a reminder to create a healthy lifestyle in order to ensure utmost care towards one of the most important organs of your body