Which nutrient metabolism may be altered due to hepatic disease?

Hepatic disease significantly impacts various aspects of nutrient metabolism, which can manifest in deficiencies or malabsorption of certain vitamins and minerals. In the case of iron metabolism, the liver plays a crucial role in regulating iron homeostasis through the production of hepcidin, a hormone that controls the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract and its release from stores in the body. When the liver is compromised, such as in conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis, hepcidin levels can become dysregulated, leading to iron overload or deficiency, depending on the underlying condition.

Additionally, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 metabolism can also be affected by hepatic disease. The liver is responsible for storing and metabolizing these vitamins. However, the impact on iron metabolism is particularly notable because it can lead to a direct alteration in how the body processes iron, which is essential for red blood cell production and overall health.

Considering the broader implications, all these nutrients could potentially be affected by hepatic disease; hence, stating that only iron is altered does not capture the comprehensive effects that hepatic conditions may have on metabolism. Acknowledging that nutrient metabolism changes occur for all these options provides a more accurate understanding of the implications of hepatic disease on nutrition.