Guinness World Record for Prenatal Nutrition Advocacy
A total of 700 doctors across India came together to set a Guinness World Record by making a unified pledge in support of Comprehensive Prenatal Nutrition Advocacy India. The initiative, led by Bayer’s Consumer Health Division, was presented at the Annual Conference of the All-India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AICOG) on 9 April 2026, with over 300 doctors in attendance. The effort draws attention to the high burden of nutritional deficiencies among women in India and the need to move beyond iron and folic acid towards broader micronutrient support during pregnancy.
As part of the Prenatal Nutrition Advocacy India initiative, doctors recorded video messages delivering a synchronized pledge to support the recommendation to provide essential micronutrients to women. The entries were uploaded within one hour on a dedicated platform, marking a coordinated effort in healthcare advocacy.
The development comes amid ongoing concerns around nutritional deficiencies among women in India. Around 60% of women are affected by Anaemia, while more than 70% have calcium deficiency. These gaps are particularly significant during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation, when nutritional demands increase.
The campaign highlights the need for a broader approach to supplementation. While iron and folic acid remain important, there is growing emphasis on including additional micronutrients, such as calcium, which supports maternal bone health and fetal development. Addressing these deficiencies is considered important for improving maternal outcomes and reducing risks such as low birth weight and fatigue.
Sandeep Verma, Cluster Head, South Asia – Bayer Consumer Health, said,
“India faces one of the highest burdens of maternal nutritional deficiencies globally, and addressing just iron and folic acid inadequacy is not enough. Our approach is holistic—‘IFA-plus’, ensuring women receive the full spectrum of essential micronutrients. By bringing doctors from across the country together in a single pledge, we are reinforcing the vision of One Nation, 100% Nutrition.”
Dr. Alaka Godbole, M.D. (Gynaecology & Obstetrics), added,
“Maternal nutrition requires a comprehensive and sustained approach, as nutritional needs evolve across different stages of pregnancy and lactation. Moving beyond a limited focus on iron and folic acid to a broader spectrum of essential micronutrients, including calcium, is key to improving outcomes.”
About Bayer:
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life sciences, particularly health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability, and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.
