U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to make a significant announcement regarding the use of Tylenol, a popular over-the-counter pain medication made by Kenvue. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Kennedy will suggest that there may be a connection between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism in children. However, the report does not provide evidence to back this claim.
In addition to raising concerns about Tylenol, Kennedy is expected to recommend folinic acid, a form of folate, as a potential treatment for some autism symptoms. This announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions about the causes of autism, which Kennedy has long linked to vaccines and environmental toxins. Despite decades of research, a clear cause for autism has yet to be determined.
Following the news, Kenvue’s stock dropped by 14%. The company responded by stating that it believes there is no causal link between Tylenol and autism. Kenvue also emphasized that expecting mothers should consult healthcare professionals before taking any over-the-counter medications, including Tylenol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with major medical organizations, supports the safety of acetaminophen during pregnancy, according to Kenvue.
Kennedy’s announcement is anticipated to highlight the potential impact of low folate levels and Tylenol use during pregnancy on autism risk. However, experts like Dr. David Mandell from the University of Pennsylvania have expressed skepticism about the claims, noting that there is no scientific understanding of how Tylenol could lead to autism.
In December 2023, a federal judge dismissed numerous lawsuits claiming that Tylenol could cause autism if taken by pregnant women, stating that the plaintiffs lacked scientific evidence. An appeals court is set to hear arguments on this ruling next month.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services stated that they are committed to using rigorous science to investigate the rising rates of autism in the U.S. They cautioned that any claims about Kennedy’s report before its release are speculative.
Children’s Health Defense, a group previously led by Kennedy, has been active on social media discussing the potential link between Tylenol and autism. They recently referenced a study suggesting an association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders, though they acknowledged the need for further research.
Conversely, a recent large study from Sweden involving 2.4 million children found no evidence linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism. Experts like Christopher Zahn from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have stated that there is no clear evidence of a direct relationship between the responsible use of acetaminophen in pregnancy and developmental issues in fetuses.
As the debate continues, Kennedy’s forthcoming report is expected to draw significant attention, and many will be watching closely for its findings.
