The liver is the largest and one of the most complex organs in the body. It is located on the right side of the abdomen. The liver performs four basic functions:

• It aids in digestion by helping in the absorption of fat and certain vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K

• It helps distribute the nutrients found in food

• It helps "clean" the blood by removing medications and toxins

• It produces important proteins that affect the blood, such as factors that are essential in making the blood clot after an injury.

The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. Bile also aids in the absorption of substances such as vitamins A, D, E, and K and medication that patients take as an immunosuppressive agent following liver transplantation. The bile is stored in the gallbladder (which is located just below the liver) and then released into the intestines as needed. Together, these organs process the nutrients found in the foods we eat.

The liver also helps filter many chemical substances and waste products from the blood. Most medicines are cleaned from the bloodstream by the liver. The liver also removes any alcohol that's consumed.