Donald Trump has announced plans to link the use of Tylenol, or acetaminophen, during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism. This statement, expected to be made during an announcement later today, follows a review of previous research, including a study conducted by researchers at Mount Sinai and Harvard that suggests a potential correlation between early acetaminophen use and autism in children.
Federal health officials are set to issue warnings to pregnant women regarding acetaminophen use, advising them to limit its consumption unless they are experiencing fever. This information comes from four sources familiar with the plans who spoke to The Washington Post under the condition of anonymity. Trump described the upcoming announcement as potentially “one of the biggest” in U.S. medical history, claiming that acetaminophen could be a significant factor in the rise of autism cases.
The discussion surrounding acetaminophen is particularly noteworthy given that it is one of the most utilized over-the-counter medications worldwide for pain and fever relief. The study published in July 2023 in the journal Environmental Health indicated a “strong, consistent association” between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental issues in children. The researchers recommended that “appropriate and immediate steps” be taken to advise pregnant women about the potential risks.
New Treatment Possibility: Leucovorin
Alongside the concerns about acetaminophen, the Trump administration is expected to propose leucovorin as a potential treatment for autism. Leucovorin, a form of vitamin B9, is typically used to counteract side effects from certain medications and treat vitamin deficiencies. Early trials have suggested that leucovorin may lead to significant improvements in communication abilities among children with autism.
While Trump has emphasized the need for answers regarding autism, his administration’s focus on acetaminophen is surprising to some, especially given past assertions from Robert F. Kennedy, Secretary of Health and Human Services, regarding vaccines as a potential cause of autism. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been tasked with studying autism and will announce grants awarded to 13 research teams focused on the causes and treatments of the disorder.
In an email to NBC News, a spokesperson for the Health and Human Services department stated, “We are using gold-standard science to get to the bottom of America’s unprecedented rise in autism rates.” Until the final report is released, any claims about its contents are described as speculative.
Understanding Autism and Current Research
Autism spectrum disorder encompasses a variety of symptoms, impacting social communication and language development. It is widely believed that autism arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a dramatic rise in autism diagnoses, with the rate increasing from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 31 in 2022.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has previously classified acetaminophen as safe for use during pregnancy, stating that existing studies have not established a direct link between its prudent use and fetal developmental issues. The organization emphasized that neurodevelopmental disorders are complex and likely influenced by multiple factors.
While some researchers argue that the rise in autism diagnoses is attributable to improved identification methods, others, including Kennedy, suspect that environmental factors—such as medications and vaccines—are significant contributors.
As discussions unfold regarding the connection between acetaminophen and autism, Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, has responded by asserting that there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. The company emphasized its commitment to the health and safety of its consumers.
The potential implications of these findings and announcements will undoubtedly continue to stir debate within the medical community, highlighting the need for ongoing research into both autism and the effects of medications used during pregnancy.