Bayer Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Osaka, is set to launch its enhanced Elevit® prenatal vitamin on March 24, 2026. This new version of Elevit® includes triple the Vitamin D compared to its predecessor, responding to increasing concerns among women in Japan who are experiencing Vitamin D deficiency due to reduced sun exposure and dietary intake. Particularly, this is critical for women planning pregnancy or currently expecting, as highlighted by health professionals.
Since its debut in Switzerland in 1984, Elevit® has garnered trust as an evidence-based supplement, focusing on the unique nutritional needs of pregnant women. The updated formula of Elevit® boasts 800μg of folic acid and 25μg of Vitamin D per daily dose of three tablets, designed in accordance with Japan's health ministry recommendations. This formulation features a distinctive 'Stork Design' that emphasizes the optimal blend of nutrients.
Dr. Keiji Kuroda, the director of Sugiyama Obstetrics and Gynecology in Marunouchi, emphasizes the significance of Vitamin D for women hoping to conceive. He explains that Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immunity and helps the body to accept a fertilized egg, which often derives genetic material from a male partner. Unfortunately, many Japanese women are now more deficient in this essential vitamin due to rigorous UV protection measures and reduced outdoor activities.
Vitamin D is known to enhance calcium absorption and is integral to bone formation. Despite its importance, studies indicate an alarming 98% deficiency among the Japanese population along with almost half of infants aged 0-5 months also exhibiting Vitamin D deficiency. Current dietary intake is insufficient as evidenced by a finding that pregnant women consume only 36% of the daily recommended amount set by the health ministry. This reinforces the need for supplementation of Vitamin D before and during pregnancy.
In addition to Vitamin D, Elevit® is formulated with folic acid, crucial for the formation of red blood cells and vital during early fetal development. Notably, around 67.2% of Japanese women are said to have a genetic predisposition that hampers the metabolism of folic acid effectively, leading to an increased risk of deficiency. Given that folic acid is water-soluble, excess intake is not stored in the body, making it necessary for women considering pregnancy to maintain a consistent intake of this nutrient.
To celebrate the launch of the improved Elevit®, Bayer is hosting a special campaign from March 24 to April 14, 2026. New subscribers to the Elevit® regular purchase plan will receive a Liberty print pouch as a gift to commemorate the product's release.
The new Elevit® product details are as follows:
- - Product Name: Elevit® (Prenatal Care)
- - Category: Nutritional supplement (Magnesium)
- - Content Weight: 39.6g (440mg x 90 tablets)
- - Nutritional Components per Daily Dose (3 tablets): 3.2 kcal energy, 0.04g protein, 0.07g fat, 0.61g carbohydrates, 0.013g sodium; includes essential vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron, Vitamin D, and calcium.
- - Price: ¥4,980 (including tax)
- - Production Country: Japan
The Elevit® brand family caters to the nutritional requirements of women from pre-pregnancy through postnatal stages, promoting the healthy growth of children during the crucial first 1000 days of their lives. Bayer Pharmaceuticals is committed to supporting maternal health with its specialized products, ensuring that mothers receive the necessary nutrients for healthy pregnancies and births.
Stay tuned for more details on the Elevit® brand and its contributions to women’s health on platforms like their official website, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Bayer aims not only to foster health through innovative products but also to address significant global challenges such as health equity and sustainable development, aligning with their mission: 'Health for all, Hunger for none.'