How much glycogen does the liver store?

The liver is crucial for glucose metabolism and energy regulation in the body, as it serves as a storage site for glycogen. The liver can store approximately one-third of the total glycogen found in the body. This glycogen serves several important functions, most notably as a reservoir of glucose that can be released into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels drop.

Understanding the proportion of glycogen stored in the liver reflects its role in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis, particularly between meals or during periods of fasting. Muscle tissues also store glycogen, but they do so primarily for their own energy needs during exercise and do not directly release glucose into the blood. Therefore, the liver's significant contribution to total glycogen storage—approximately 33%—is vital for overall energy management in the body.