The liver, one of the most hardworking organs in our body, deserves more attention than it usually gets. Thus, each year, World Liver Day is observed on April 19 to raise awareness about liver health and encourage proactive steps toward preventing liver diseases.
In 2025, the global campaign—spearheaded by the Healthy Livers, Healthy Lives Coalition—focuses on a powerful theme: “Food is Medicine.”
This year’s initiative sheds light on how nutrition plays a very important role in liver function and overall well-being.
Why liver health matters!
The liver is responsible for several critical functions:
- Producing and secreting bile
- Metabolising fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
- Filtering toxins from the bloodstream
- Excreting waste substances like bilirubin, cholesterol, and drugs
Despite its importance, liver disease often goes unnoticed until it’s in an advanced stage. Globally, 1.5 billion people live with chronic liver disease, contributing to 2 million deaths annually—about 4% of global deaths.
The rising concern: MASLD
One of the most common liver conditions today, affecting one-third of adults globally, is Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
MASLD happens when too much fat builds up in the liver due to issues like obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol. This puts stress on liver cells, causing inflammation and, over time, can lead to scarring or liver damage. Some common symptoms associated with it include unexpected weight loss, weakness and swelling in the belly or legs.
However, what makes MASLD dangerous is its silent progression. Many individuals don’t experience symptoms until liver damage is severe. Fortunately, MASLD is both preventable and reversible—especially through mindful nutrition.
The campaign message: You Are What You Eat
The 2025 campaign reinforces the concept that a healthy liver starts with what’s on your plate. Adopting a diet that’s:
- Rich in minimally processed foods
- Low in added sugars and saturated fats
- High in polyphenols and healthy fats can significantly improve liver health.
Research shows that losing just 5–10% of body weight can reduce liver fat, curb inflammation, and reverse early-stage liver damage. That means small, sustainable dietary changes can make a life-changing difference.
Science and innovation in liver health
As liver diseases affect more people around the world, several health and science companies are working on new ways to treat and even reverse the damage. Here are some of the most promising ones:
Pandorum Technologies
Pandorum Technologies is a biotech company based in India and the US. It focuses on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. That means they create tiny, functional parts of human organs, like the liver and cornea, using advanced technologies like 3D printing and stem cells.
These lab-grown tissues are used for medical research, testing new treatments, and, in the future, may even be used for transplants.
They are also working on cell-free therapies, where healing substances (like exosomes) are used to repair damaged tissues—without needing actual cells or organ transplants.
Ochre Bio
Ochre Bio is a health-tech company that’s changing the way we treat chronic liver diseases. Instead of relying only on animal testing or slow drug discovery, Ochre uses real human liver tissues and advanced technologies to better understand how liver diseases work.
They create RNA-based medicines that can target and treat liver issues—especially for people in later stages where transplant is the only option.
Akero
Akero is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on creating new treatments for serious metabolic diseases that currently have limited or no effective options.
Their lead therapy, efruxifermin (EFX), is an engineered protein designed to treat MASH—a liver disease caused by metabolic issues. EFX mimics the body’s natural hormone FGF21, which helps reduce stress on cells and balance metabolism.
Parting words
Healthy livers are the foundation of healthy lives. Whether it’s your first step toward better nutrition or your continued commitment to a balanced lifestyle, World Liver Day is a reminder that the journey to liver wellness begins with your next bite.
This World Liver Day 2025, take a moment to reflect, make informed food choices, and support policies that create healthier environments for all. Because when it comes to your liver—food really is medicine.
-By Rinkle Dudhani and the AHT Team
