What is the liver?

The liver is a large, flattened, dark red gland (about 1.5kg) which is located on the upper right side of the abdomen. It is involved in digestive function, secretes bile, stores nutrients, removes toxins and produces enzymes, proteins and glucose. The liver approximately contains 13% of the total blood in the body at all times. It consists of two main lobes, which comprise eight segments each, containing thousands of lobules. Such lobules connect to small ducts that, in turn, connect to larger ducts of the common hepatic duct. This common hepatic duct carries bile produced by liver cells to the gallbladder and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) through the common bile duct.

The metabolism of amino acids in the liver

Methionine is an essential amino acid containing sulfur, and about half of its dietary intake is metabolised in the liver. During methionine metabolism, various compounds which are formed are a key part of proper liver function in terms of regeneration and detoxification. Homocysteine is one of these compounds from methionine, and a good balance, both at liver and blood levels, is part of a healthy liver.