EXPLORE!

Alloveda Liver Update: Effects of Aging on the Liver

  1377 Views

eMediNexus    05 October 2020

A number of structural and microscopic changes occur as the liver ages. For example, the color of the liver changes from lighter to darker brown. Its size and blood flow decrease. Nevertheless, liver test results generally remain normal.

A recent article published in MSD Manual discussed that the ability of the liver to metabolize many substances decreases with aging. Thus, some drugs are not inactivated as quickly in older people as they are in younger people. As a result, a drug dose that would not have side effects in younger people may have dose-related side effects in older people.

Therefore, drug dosages often need to be decreased in older people. The authors also stated that the livers ability to withstand stress decreases with age. Thus, substances that are toxic to the liver can cause more damage in older people than in younger people. Additionally, repair of damaged liver cells is slower in older people. Furthermore, the production and flow of bile decrease with aging. As a result, gallstones are more likely to form.

Source: MSD Manual. Oct 2019.

To comment on this article,
create a free account.

Sign Up to instantly get access to 10000+ Articles & 1000+ Cases

Already registered?

Login Now

Most Popular Articles

News and Updates

eMediNexus provides latest updates on medical news, medical case studies from India. In-depth medical case studies and research designed for doctors and healthcare professionals.