In a developing story, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested a potential link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. In the meantime, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is running this same investigation. In particular, they are investigating if the widely used pain reliever could be behind the rising rates of autism diagnosis. As the investigation has received national attention, it has drawn significant support as well as skepticism from the medical community.
HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon echoed those sentiments, saying that the department is using “gold-standard science” to investigate this important question. He reaffirmed that any statements pertaining to the ongoing investigation’s findings are pure speculation. Let’s hold out for their final report to learn the full truth.
Kennedy is expected to soon make a formal announcement that links autism to acetaminophen usage. He will explore possible connections to low folate levels in pregnancy. This announcement is likely to incite even greater controversy within the healthcare community and among the public.
A literature review published in BMC Environmental Health has reported a likely association between autism and exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy. However, contrasting evidence exists. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) study, released last week, found no meaningful relationship between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities.
Researcher Santhosh Girirajan from Pennsylvania State University critiqued the review on acetaminophen and autism, stating, “I’m very surprised how Tylenol comes up here,” and expressing skepticism about its methodology. He added, “That is what all the scientific community has come to agree with, based on evidence and replication over years, over decades.”
Kennedy’s assertions have drawn broader scrutiny, particularly after Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, highlighted HHS’s investigation into Tylenol use by pregnant women. Even after the Wall Street Journal posted Kennedy’s allegations, Kenvue’s stock shares plummeted. They tanked by over 9%.
In response to growing concerns, Kenvue reiterated its commitment to consumer safety, stating, “Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products. We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.”
Medical professionals usually advise against blaming autism on one specific cause. Dr. Christopher Zahn, chief of clinical practice at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, noted that acetaminophen has long been established as a safe pain reliever for pregnant individuals. He remarked, “Unfortunately, over the years, there have been several unfounded challenges to this fact, which have likely caused some confusion and concern for many pregnant individuals.”
Dr. Joshua Gordon, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at Columbia University, joined us with his unique perspective on this important topic. He said the cause and effect link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism is “very unlikely to no risk.”
Kennedy is preparing to bring his full findings to light, in greater detail, by this September. He wants HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell to explain what causes autism. Skepticism still persists in the scientific community as far as his claims.
