Belta Promotes Importance of Pre-Pregnancy Health and Folic Acid Intake at 62nd Japan Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine Annual Meeting

Belta Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo / President and CEO: Katsumi Takekawa, hereinafter 'Belta') co-hosted a luncheon seminar titled 'Preconception Care as the Starting Point for Family Formation: Current Status and Implementation from the Perspective of Behavioral Economics' at the 62nd Japan Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine Annual Meeting held on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The seminar was chaired by Dr. Yu Watarai, Vice President and Professor of Pediatric Surgery at Showa University Hospital, with Dr. Kiyotaka Kai, Director of the Kai Medical Corporation, as the speaker. They discussed the importance of health preparation and nutrient intake—especially folic acid—before pregnancy, as well as the importance of effectively communicating accurate information to encourage actionable understanding, incorporating insights from medical behavioral economics.

The seminar also presented findings from a joint survey conducted by Belta and Dr. Kai, highlighting that while more people are becoming health- and nutrition-conscious during preconception, there remains a critical need for better information delivery to help individuals correctly understand, select, and consistently follow through with appropriate choices. Belta will continue its awareness initiatives on preconception care and folic acid, collaborating with various organizations and leveraging both medical expertise and consumer insights.

Luncheon Seminar Overview

Date and Time: July 12, 2026 (Sun), 12:10–13:10 Venue: Room 13, Pacifico Yokohama Conference Center, 3F, Rooms 313–314 Title: 'Preconception Care as the Starting Point for Family Formation: Current Status and Implementation from the Perspective of Behavioral Economics' Chair: Dr. Yu Watarai (Showa University Hospital) Speaker: Dr. Kiyotaka Kai (Kai IVF Clinic Makuhari) Co-hosts: 62nd Japan Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine Annual Meeting / Belta Co., Ltd. and BELTA

Seminar Content | The Importance of Pre-Pregnancy Nutrition Management and Information Delivery

Approximately 100 medical professionals, including physicians and nurses, attended the seminar. The session emphasized the importance of preconception care and explored, from a behavioral economics perspective, how accurate health and pregnancy-related information can be effectively translated into individual understanding and real-world action.

While the widespread use of the internet and social media has increased access to information on fertility, pregnancy, and health, it remains challenging for individuals to identify accurate information, select what is personally relevant, and turn it into consistent action. Dr. Kai explained that simply providing correct information does not necessarily lead to behavioral change. He emphasized the importance of delivering information in a clear and convincing manner, tailored to individuals’ unique anxieties, questions, and ways of processing information.

Furthermore, nutrition management was highlighted as a key aspect of pre-pregnancy health. Since fetal organ development begins before pregnancy is confirmed, it is crucial to consciously consume essential nutrients even before conception.

Specifically regarding folic acid, the seminar emphasized that the neural tube, which forms the baby’s brain and spinal cord, develops very early in pregnancy. Additionally, it takes time for folic acid levels in the body to stabilize after intake begins. Therefore, it is essential to start preparing as soon as pregnancy is being considered.

Beyond folic acid, other nutrients important during preconception and pregnancy, such as vitamin D, were also introduced. The seminar suggested that supplements combining multiple nutrients could be a practical option for compensating for nutrients commonly lacking in daily diets.

Moreover, the discussion included the importance of continuing supplementation not only before conception but also through late pregnancy, considering risks related to fetal development.

Approximately 100 Medical Professionals Attended the Seminar

Insights from Belta’s Joint Survey on Nutritional Choices During Preconception and Pregnancy

The seminar also presented results from a joint survey conducted by Belta and Dr. Kai titled 'Survey on Awareness and Behavior Regarding Nutrient Intake from Pre-Pregnancy to Pregnancy.' The survey revealed that 84.5% of respondents began taking folic acid supplements before confirming pregnancy, indicating a growing trend of nutrition awareness during the preconception phase. However, 12.8% started only after pregnancy confirmation, and 2.7% gave other responses, highlighting the need to further promote the importance of early folic acid intake.

Additionally, only 42.8% of respondents specifically checked the dosage when selecting a folic acid supplement, underscoring the need for better education on appropriate intake levels and personalized nutrient needs.

Based on these findings, Belta believes it is essential to provide information and support that enables individuals to access necessary knowledge even before actively considering pregnancy, allowing them to make informed, personalized, and sustainable choices based on their life stage, health, and dietary habits.

Comment from Dr. Kiyotaka Kai

'Preconception care is relevant not only to those actively seeking pregnancy but to anyone who may become pregnant in the future. While people have access to vast amounts of information via social media and the internet, it is not easy to identify accurate information and select what is personally necessary. Behavioral economics reveals a significant gap between 'knowing' and 'acting.' Therefore, it is crucial to deliver information in a way that is understandable and convincing, tailored to each individual’s concerns, values, and life stage. By combining medical expertise with outreach from companies and local governments that engage directly with the public, and by leveraging each party’s strengths in communication, I hope more people will have opportunities to consider their health before pregnancy.'

Profile of Dr. Kiyotaka Kai

Director of the Kai Medical Corporation; Director of Kai IVF Clinic Makuhari; Advisor at Omotesando ART Clinic. Certified and training physician by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Japan Society of Reproductive Medicine, and the Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine. As a specialist in reproductive and infertility medicine, Dr. Kai provides clinical care for individuals seeking pregnancy, promotes transparency in treatment through data utilization, improves medical quality based on KPIs, and contributes to research infrastructure. He also participates in academic and governmental committees and actively promotes collaborative research and partnerships between enterprises and universities in the field of reproductive medicine.

Belta’s Initiatives to Promote Preconception Care

Belta recognized the importance of early access to accurate knowledge and creating opportunities to consider pregnancy, inspired by customer feedback such as 'I wish I had known this earlier.' The company continues to promote preconception care through collaborations with various organizations.

### Collaboration with Medical Institutions

Belta’s folic acid supplements are used in 1,349 obstetrics and gynecology clinics and infertility treatment centers nationwide as part of nutritional education from pre-pregnancy through pregnancy. The company also shares interviews with physicians on the importance of preconception care from a clinical perspective.

https://belta.co.jp/doctor/

### Collaboration with Local Governments

Folic acid supplements and educational pamphlets are utilized in over 300 municipalities nationwide. Belta has also established partnership agreements with six local governments to provide folic acid supplements upon marriage registration and conduct public awareness campaigns. (As of July 2026)

https://belta.co.jp/local_government/

### Collaboration with Educational Institutions

From early childhood through middle school, high school, and university, Belta