Fasting primarily affects the liver initially, but prolonged fasting impacts multiple organs as the body adapts to energy deprivation.
Initial Impact: The Liver's Role
- Glycogen Depletion: During the first 24 hours of fasting, the liver plays a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose levels by breaking down stored glycogen. According to the provided information, most glycogen is stored in the liver.
- Blood Glucose Maintenance: The liver is central to maintaining blood glucose during this initial fasting period. After about 24 hours, glycogen stores become depleted.
Long-Term Effects and Other Organs Involved
Once glycogen stores are depleted, the body shifts to utilizing other energy sources, leading to effects on additional organs and systems:
- Adipose Tissue: The body starts utilizing energy stores from adipose tissue
- Protein Stores: The body starts utilizing energy stores from protein stores
