#Japan #Tokyo #Bayer #prenatal care #Elevit

Bayer's Elevit® Hosts Expert Forum on Nutrition in Perinatal Period

Bayer Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Osaka, has announced its recent forum titled "Up to Date on Nutritional Intake During the Perinatal Period," which took place on November 22, 2025, in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This enlightening event focused on the essential nutritional needs of women from pre-pregnancy through the perinatal phase, addressed by leading specialists in obstetrics and gynecology.

Programme Overview

The event was chaired by Dr. Akihito Nakai, Vice President of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Professor Emeritus at Nippon Medical School. The presentations included:

1. Introduction & Nutritional Issues in the Perinatal Period
Presented by Dr. Tomomi Kotani, Professor at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine.

2. The Significance of Folic Acid & Multivitamins in Perinatal Intake
Discussed by Dr. Akihito Nakai.

3. The Importance of Mineral (Iron) Supplementation and Nutrients such as DHA and EPA in the Perinatal Period
Offered by Dr. Ken Nagamatsu, Professor of Obstetrics at International University of Health and Welfare.

The presentations were followed by a discussion segment addressing key themes in perinatal nutritional literacy.

Key Takeaways from the Forum

During the event, the significance of nutrition during the perinatal period was underscored, particularly noting potential mental health impacts due to deficiencies in key nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and DHA. The need for practical supplementation, given the busy lifestyles of working women, was emphasized as a viable option to ensure adequate nutrition when dietary intake alone may fall short. Multivitamin supplements that combine various vitamins and minerals were highlighted as effective solutions.

The increase in nutrient requirements during pregnancy, particularly for folic acid, was also noted, with warnings that deficiencies can lead to complications. It was emphasized that Asian women may experience lower utilization rates of folic acid due to the MTHFR gene mutation, prompting discussions on the long-term benefits of taking multivitamins with folic acid in relation to obstetric complications.

The discussion further highlighted the critical role of iron and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA). The potential impact of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, which can result in increased fatigue and complications, was flagged. Additionally, the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids was discussed, with recommendations for Mediterranean diets and traditional Japanese cuisine.

Insights from the Discussion Part

Regarding maternal nutritional literacy, it was observed that few women learn about nutritional requirements prior to pregnancy, resulting in unstable eating habits. The importance of continuous nutritional guidance from pre-pregnancy through pregnancy was highlighted, along with support for supplement utilization.

Participants acknowledged that clearer data on nutritional needs could enhance the persuasiveness of health information provided to patients. Thus, improved educational resources and enriching healthcare professionals' knowledge through academic inquiry was stressed.

Overall, the forum aimed to share insights among specialists about the current state of nutrition during pregnancy, fostering meaningful recommendations. Bayer’s Elevit® intends to continue disseminating crucial information about the importance of nutritional intake throughout the conception and pregnancy journey.

Bayer's Outreach and Support Initiatives

The Elevit® brand site (https://www.elevit.jp) and its official accounts on platforms like X (https://x.com/elevit_japan) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/elevitjapan/) provide comprehensive information on products, including the benefits of folic acid and guidance on nutrition during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. This initiative is backed by expert approvals to support the health and wellbeing of pregnant women.

About Bayer's Elevit® Brand Family

Bayer recognizes the critical "First 1000 Days" of a child's life, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition during this period for long-term health outcomes. The Elevit® products—including Elevit® Prenatal Care, Menevit®, Elevit® Plant-based DHA, and Elevit® Postnatal Care—are designed to support the nutritional needs of mothers and the healthy development of their babies during pre-pregnancy and postpartum.

• - Elevit® Prenatal Care: Formulated for Japanese women’s specific nutritional gaps, including magnesium and folic acid along with 12 vitamins and 6 minerals.
• - Menevit®: A male supplement supporting preconception health with essential nutrients like Vitamin E and Zinc.
• - Elevit® Plant-based DHA: Provides necessary DHA without the fishy taste, ensuring it is safe and sustainable.
• - Elevit® Postnatal Care: A multivitamin designed for new mothers to support both their health and baby's growth.

Bayer continues to be committed to nourishing the foundational health of mothers and their children through tailored nutritional solutions.