Bayer's Elevit® Symposium on Preconception Care
On October 12, 2025, Bayer Pharmaceuticals co-hosted a significant symposium on preconception care during the 28th Annual Japanese IVF Conference held in Naha, Okinawa. This year's conference theme, "Boundaries and Choices," sparked vital discussions about the future of reproductive medicine in Japan. The symposium was part of Bayer's commitment to spreading awareness about nutrition and health for women planning pregnancy and during pregnancy.
Understanding Preconception Care
Preconception care is essential for women and couples to gain accurate knowledge about sexuality and health, allowing them to address their well-being while contemplating their future life plans. At the symposium, various expert speakers presented their insights into the importance of preconception care and the challenges faced by women in Japan today.
Luncheon Seminar Overview
- - Date and Time: October 12, 2025, 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM
- - Theme: "Broad and Deep Preconception Care"
- - Chairmen: Dr. Kazuhiro Matsuda, Director, Matsuda Women’s Clinic; Professor Akiko Sakagami, Musashino University, Department of Nursing.
Speakers and key presentations included:
1.
"What Preconception Care Does Japan Need?"
Speaker: Dr. Naoko Arata, Chief of Women's Internal Medicine at the National Children’s Medical Center.
Dr. Arata emphasized that young women's nutritional issues are critical in Japan, especially as career development, later marriages, and advancements in reproductive technologies increase the number of women at risk for pregnancy. She underscored the need for enhanced support systems for young women and those at high reproductive risk, presenting preventive measures against congenital disabilities as a crucial objective in promoting preconception care. The discussion highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive approach addressing education, nutrition, healthcare, and social support, advocating for resources like the Preconception Note and practitioner manuals.
2.
"Considering Preconception Care through the Impact of Lifestyle on Ovarian Function"
Speaker: Dr. Miyuki Harada, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tokyo.
Dr. Harada training on the balance between health status and lifestyle habits was vital for maintaining optimal ovarian function and improving reproductive outcomes. She pointed out that obesity and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) negatively affect ovarian function, making it crucial for women to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and avoid smoking as part of their preconception care.
3.
"Clinical Application of Preconception Care: Nutritional Approach via Folic Acid"
Speaker: Dr. Fumiyuki Koga, Director of Koga Women’s Clinic.
Dr. Koga emphasized the alarming problem of underweight among young Japanese women, identifying nutritional improvement as essential in preconception care. He noted that approximately 60% of Japanese women possess polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene, resulting in lower bioavailability of folic acid and potential increases in homocysteine levels. Recognizing the implications of homocysteine on reproduction and pregnancy outcomes, he suggested that women planning pregnancy should consider MTHFR polymorphisms, recommending supplemental folic acid ranging from 400 to 800μg per day, alongside a multivitamin containing nutrients related to folate metabolism.
Through the leadership of Dr. Matsuda and Dr. Sakagami, the symposium effectively reiterated the importance of addressing the challenges and clinical applications of preconception care in Japan. Bayer’s Elevit®, making significant strides in nutrition for women before, during, and after pregnancy, committed to persistently sharing vital information through various initiatives.
About the 28th Japanese IVF Conference
Elevit® Information Dissemination
The Elevit® brand site, along with its official X and Instagram accounts, continues to provide valuable information and resources reviewed by healthcare professionals, focusing on nutrition and essential health insights for women during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods.
The Elevit® Brand Family
The first 1000 days of life, from conception to a child’s 2nd birthday, are crucial for future health. Bayer supports this critical period with products like Elevit® (Prenatal Care) and Elevit® (Postpartum Care), ensuring adequate nutrition for mothers and healthy development for their babies.
Elevit® (Prenatal Care)
Elevit® supplements, designed to meet the nutritional needs of Japanese women, combine essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and folic acid, tailored to enhance the health of women during pregnancy and their babies' growth.
Price: ¥4,980 (Tax Inclusive)
Contents: 39.6g (440mg x 90 tablets) / Recommended 3 tablets daily
Origin: Japan
Other Elevit® Products
- - Menevit®: A male supplement to aid conception, featuring nine balanced nutrients.
- - Elevit® Plant-Based DHA: Designed for women unable to take adequate DHA, it offers easy-consumption capsules with sustainable DHA.
- - Elevit® Postpartum Care: Addresses nutritional needs for new mothers, providing 14 essential nutrients tailored to postpartum recovery.
Bayer Pharmaceuticals aims to innovate healthcare solutions and nutrition throughout Japan to promote longevity and enhanced quality of life for patients. For detailed information, please visit
Bayer's Corporate Site or their social media platforms.