Liver

Chemical processing plant

How does the liver work?

Performs hundreds of jobs: processes absorbed nutrients, stores glycogen and vitamins, makes bile and clotting proteins, and breaks down alcohol and many medicines.

Detox, accurately

The liver and kidneys continuously process and clear substances. 'Detox' products aren't needed for this, and their marketing claims generally lack evidence.

Storage

Stores glycogen, vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron and copper.

Bile

Bile made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder helps digest fat.

Evidence & sources

• There's little compelling research supporting 'detox' or 'cleansing' programs for removing toxins from the body. Evidence: limited. Known: Few rigorous studies; existing ones are small and poorly designed. Unknown: — Source: NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 'Detoxes' and 'Cleanses': What You Need To Know (Current revision).

Connected topics

• "Detox" Products
• Fat
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Alcohol
• Blood Sugar Regulation

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General education only, not medical advice. Drafted Oct 2026 · pending qualified expert review.