What is the liver’s primary function that is affected by hepatitis?

The liver plays a critical role in detoxifying harmful substances in the body. When hepatitis occurs, inflammation and damage to liver cells can impair this detoxification process. The liver is responsible for filtering the blood and breaking down toxins, drugs, and alcohol, allowing the body to eliminate these potentially harmful substances. When hepatitis affects the liver, the ability to perform this function is compromised, leading to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, which can cause further health complications.

While the liver is also involved in the metabolism of nutrients and the storage of bile, these functions do not have the same immediate and severe consequences as the detoxification process when the liver is compromised. Production of red blood cells, although related to liver health, primarily occurs in the bone marrow rather than in the liver itself. Therefore, the most significantly affected function by hepatitis is the liver's ability to detoxify substances.