On March 24, 2026, Bayer Pharmaceuticals held a significant announcement event for its latest product, Elevit® – a prenatal multivitamin supplement that has increased its Vitamin D content. The event, which took place in Osaka, featured guest speaker Miki Fujimoto, a popular singer and TV personality, who candidly shared her experiences of pregnancy and emphasized the importance of self-care and supportive nutrition during this critical time.
The Need for Enhanced Nutritional Support
Minsya Sen, the representative of Bayer Consumer Health in Japan, opened the event by discussing Bayer's commitment to supporting people's everyday self-care through innovative products backed by trusted science. He highlighted the emphasis on women's health and the pivotal role that appropriate nutrition plays during a baby’s first thousand days of life, a crucial period for development.
Elevit®: New Formulation with Increased Vitamin D
Kumi Kakemizu from Bayer's Consumer Health division introduced the revamped Elevit® formula, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Responding to numerous requests from healthcare professionals, the new Elevit® boasts almost three times the Vitamin D content compared to its predecessor, designed specifically to aid women through preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods. The formulation, referred to as “Kounotori Blend,” ensures adherence to recommended guidelines from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.
Expert Insights on Prenatal Nutrition
The significance of Vitamin D was further elaborated by Dr. Keiji Kuroda, the director of Sugiyama Obstetrics & Gynecology in Marunouchi. He explained that Vitamin D is primarily synthesized through sun exposure, and due to increased restrictions on outdoor activities and sun protection measures, many women are increasingly deficient. He emphasized the critical need for Vitamin D, not just during pregnancy but throughout the reproductive lifecycle.
Understanding ‘胎調ケア’ or ‘Fetal Adjustment Care’
The discussion progressed into a heartfelt exchange between Miki Fujimoto and Dr. Kuroda on the concept of '胎調ケア', or 'Fetal Adjustment Care,' which stresses the importance of mothers taking care of their own physical and emotional well-being as a gift to their unborn child. This innovative approach aims to reassess prenatal care through a lens of nurturing the mother first, promoting a more balanced and positive pregnancy experience.
Miki Fujimoto resonated with this philosophy, expressing how approachable and relatable it was. She recounted her own pregnancy experience and the hurdles of maintaining a balanced diet
while managing morning sickness. Miki highlighted that relying on support systems and nutritional aids is crucial for an enjoyable pregnancy experience.
The Surprising Quantity of Vitamin D
During a live demonstration, the audience was astounded to learn that a day’s worth of Vitamin D provided by the new Elevit® equals the amount found in 417 mushrooms! Miki's astonishment at the figure underscored the importance of supplementation, especially when dietary restrictions during pregnancy can make it challenging to meet nutritional needs naturally.
When asked about her experiences, Miki shared anecdotes of her husband's cooking and the inevitable worries about nutritional balance. She advised that even when circumstances prevent a perfect diet, using multivitamin supplements like Elevit® can bridge the nutritional gap, allowing expectant mothers peace of mind.
Miki's Reflective Moments on Motherhood
Concluding the event, Miki reflected on her ongoing journey of motherhood, highlighting that maintaining a balanced diet continues to be a challenge even after childbirth. She urged moms to lean on their support systems and utilize resources like nutritional supplements to navigate the complexities of prenatal and postpartum nutrition.
As attendees left the event, the unified message was clear: Having a supportive approach to prenatal care not only ensures a healthier experience for expectant mothers but also contributes significantly to the well-being of their children.
About Bayer
Bayer is a global life sciences company focused on health care and agriculture. Committed to its mission, ‘Health for all, Hunger for none’, Bayer emphasizes sustainable development through its products and services, aiming to address critical global challenges. More information about Bayer can be found on their official website.