What Does the Liver Do?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
6. Regulates Iron Levels
Studies have shown that the liver plays a major role in regulating iron homeostasis. Iron is an important nutrient that is closely regulated within the body. If iron is not regulated, it may lead to iron-imbalance, which is the main cause of iron-related disorders, the most prevalent of which are iron-overload and anemia.
These conditions affect over one billion people worldwide. The liver carries out many regulatory mechanisms that control the storage capacity, iron regulatory gene production, and iron mobilization. When the body has excess iron, the liver reacts by increasing iron storage and protects the pancreas and the heart from iron-induced cellular damage.
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