The strength of your bones is influenced by the health of your liver, according to a growing body of research on the liver-bone connection.
The connection between your hepatic and skeletal systems has long been a focus of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. The Medical Establishment is catching up with new research into this important connection.
In this article, we'll review the relationship between liver and bone health and analyze new research shedding light on the many metabolic functions of the liver that impact the strength and durability of your bones.
All About Your Liver
The liver is the largest internal organ and one of the most important organs. It performs more than 500 different functions, from metabolic regulation to detoxification and digestion. In most adults, it weighs between two to four pounds and sits directly below the diaphragm, just above and to the right of the stomach.
Because the liver’s functions affect nearly every body system, it naturally influences bone health in multiple ways.
Vitamin D – The Vitamin D your body absorbs from food and supplements or that your skin produces with sun exposure isn't immediately usable. It must first undergo conversion, beginning in the liver. Without a healthy liver, Vitamin D cannot be activated to support healthy bone formation.
Detoxification – The liver detoxifies the body by metabolizing and removing harmful substances from the bloodstream, including drugs, environmental toxins, and byproducts of cellular metabolism. All of these toxins are acidifying, so clearing them supports a healthy serum pH, which is essential for avoiding bone-damaging acidification.
Bile Production – Bile, produced by the liver, is required for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, E, K, and D, all of which are essential for bone health.
Blood Glucose Levels – The liver stores glucose and releases it as needed to help maintain normal blood glucose levels. This helps stabilize energy levels and reduces the risk of conditions such as hypoglycaemia and diabetes, which can damage bones.
Hormone Regulation – The liver metabolizes hormones –the body’s chemical messengers– including insulin, estrogen, and thyroid hormones. Keeping these signaling chemicals in balance is essential for healthy bones.
Unlock NASA’s Discovery for Stronger Bones
NASA uncovered a powerful connection between your organs and bone health. Now you can use that same discovery in the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse — a simple 7-day reset that flushes out toxins, boosts your body’s energy, and accelerates natural bone building.
Protein Synthesis – The liver synthesizes proteins involved in many bodily functions, including blood clotting and bone remodeling.
Synopsis
The liver performs more than 500 functions, including Vitamin D activation, detoxification, blood glucose regulation, bile production, hormone regulation, and protein synthesis.
The Liver-Bone Axis In Osteoporosis
A 2024 review in the Journal of Orthopedic Translation examined studies on the impact of liver ailments on bone health and metabolism.
The analysis concluded that the liver-bone axis contributes to bone homeostasis, which is the balance between bone formation and resorption that preserves bone mass. Liver-bone communication involves hepatokines, osteokines, and other biochemical signaling processes. These findings indicate that active crosstalk between the two systems helps regulate the production and maintenance of bone tissue.1
While other organ crosstalk has been studied more extensively, our understanding of hepatic–skeletal communication is still nascent. The researchers noted that further study is needed to clarify how the liver-bone axis mediates iron, cholesterol, and lipid metabolism, as well as immune function.1
The body’s organs and systems are far more interconnected than previously recognized . This research reinforces the wisdom of the Save Institute's holistic approach to bone health, which considers and utilizes the many interconnected systems that support and communicate with our bones, including the liver-bone axis.
Synopsis
Analysis of existing studies on the liver-bone axis reveals robust crosstalk that is essential for producing and maintaining healthy bone tissue. Healthy liver-bone crosstalk may also influence other organs and metabolic functions.
Liver Enzymes And Bone Mineral Density
A 2018 study in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders analyzed the association between liver enzyme levels and bone mineral density (BMD).
Using data from the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2012) researchers analyzed BMD, serum liver enzymes, and covariates in 7,160 participants. Then, they assessed participants' BMD at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, entire femur, and whole body, assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Measured enzymes included aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma(γ)-glutamyl transferase (GGT).2
The study found inverse associations between each of the enzymes and BMD levels in some or all measured sites. The findings demonstrate a significant relationship between osteoporosis and liver disorders, further confirming good liver function as essential for maintaining strong bones, preventing and reversing osteoporosis, and avoiding fractures. 2
Synopsis
A Korean study with 7,160 participants found inverse associations between liver enzymes and bone mineral density, highlighting the link between liver status and bone strength. Liver health is essential for maintaining strong bones.
What This Means To You
Take care of your liver. It matters more to your bone health than you might think. A healthy diet, reducing exposure to toxins, and regular exercise all help to support liver health. Those behaviors also support bone health– which is no coincidence!
Because the liver is integral to bone health, the Save Institute created a special program to reduce the toxic load that stresses the liver and impedes bone remodeling.. The Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse is a 7-day bone-building accelerator that works by reducing your body’s toxic load, balancing your internal environment, and boosting your body’s natural bone-rebuilding processes.
Unlike many “cleanses”, the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse is a healthy, easy-to-follow program that provides what your body needs to feel energized. You won't be hungry and cranky– quite the opposite. With simple instructions and more than 40 pH-balanced recipes, you'll be equipped to eat well and feel great.
Give your liver-bone axis the extra support it needs so both systems remain strong and healthy.
7 Days to Jumpstart Bone Health
Your body already knows how to build strong, healthy bones — it just needs the right conditions. The Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse clears away toxins, supports your kidneys and liver, and sets the stage for bone renewal.
References
1 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11407911/#sec6
2 https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-018-2322-1
Why is there no mention that the liver makes cholesterol needed by the body if you are not consuming enough cholesterol in your food. It is the thyroid gland that signals the liver when cholesterol levels are low.
Virginia, the article states that the liver performs over 500 functions, but we only expanded on a few that are linked to bone health. Indeed, the liver synthesizes cholesterol, among many other valuable compounds.
thank you for clarifying that for me….
Very interesting information Vivian. My doctor never mentions liver to me. I suppose she’s not the only one… Thank you!
You’re welcome, Kathy!
I just finished a 3-day Liver disease conference, speaking to doctors and patients about bone health. Both are well aware of the challenges to bone health with Liver disease. Thank you for reminding the rest of us about the importance of protecting bone health by maintaining a healthy liver.
My pleasure, Pamela! I hope you enjoyed the conference.
Thanks once again for unusual and insightful information to help me to keep my bones stronger. Much appreciated.
You’re very welcome, Gwyneth!