What Does the Liver Do?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
9. Production of Albumin and Other Blood Proteins
The liver produces a majority of the proteins that are required in the body. This includes albumin, whose major functions are regulating blood volume and distribution of fluids in the body. Therefore, liver dysfunction may lead to low albumin levels.
Reduced levels of albumin may then cause abnormal fluid retention, which can then lead to swollen legs and abdominal distension. Furthermore, the liver produces ferritin, a protein used in iron storage, lipoproteins, which are used in the transportation of fats, proteins that bind to hormones, and acute phase proteins involved in infection and inflammation.
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