Potential Link Between Tylenol Use in Pregnancy and Autism
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly set to announce that the popular over-the-counter painkiller Tylenol may have a connection to autism when taken by pregnant women, according to a Friday report from The Wall Street Journal, which cites unnamed sources.
Kennedy’s upcoming report mentions a folic acid derivative called folinic acid, suggesting it could help alleviate autistic symptoms in some individuals.
Kenvue, the company behind Tylenol, has seen its stock plummet by 14% following this news. Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen, is commonly used by expecting mothers for pain relief.
This expected report from Kennedy’s office may reveal that low levels of folic acid, associated with Tylenol, could potentially contribute to autism risks, as indicated by the report.
Kenvue maintains that no causal link exists between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. They advise pregnant women to consult healthcare professionals before taking any over-the-counter medications that include acetaminophen.
According to Kenvue, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and major healthcare providers affirm the safety of acetaminophen and its use during pregnancy, backing the information provided on the product label.
The Department of Health and Human Services has declined to provide a comment on this matter.
This isn’t the first time questions have arisen regarding Tylenol’s implications. In December 2023, a federal judge dismissed numerous lawsuits claiming that Tylenol could lead to autism if taken during pregnancy. Following that, an appeals court is set to hear the case next month.
Need for More Research
Children’s Health Defense, previously led by Kennedy, has shared multiple posts on the social media platform X about the possible connection between Tylenol and autism, citing a study released in August that found potential links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
Scientists have called for medical guidelines to recommend that pregnant women use the lowest effective dose for the shortest period necessary. They also stress the need for additional studies, as neglecting fever management in pregnant women can lead to other complications, such as neural tube defects.
Other research has not found any ties. For instance, a study of 2.4 million children born in Sweden found no evidence supporting a causal relationship between painkiller use in pregnancy and autism risks.
“There isn’t clear evidence linking the cautious use of acetaminophen during pregnancy to fetal developmental issues. Neurodevelopmental disorders are incredibly complex and not easily tied to singular causes,” one study remarked.
