President Donald Trump has claimed that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism in children.While a very small number of studies that rely on pure observation have seen a potential correlation (not to be confused with causation) with Tylenol and autism, the overarching claim that Tylenol is directly responsible for causing autism during pregnancy is not supported by any form of empirical evidence. While Trump is not the first person to make this claim, doing so without any background in the field, nor doing any type of cohesive research on the topic, was downright irresponsible as the figurehead of our nation.
The Food and Drug Administration (or FDA) in response to Trump’s statement is initiating a shift in prescription information for all acetaminophen products, simply noting that the chronic usage of Tylenol or alike goods during pregnancy can result in an increased risk of neurological conditions, mainly autism and ADHD. It is important to note however that the FDA is simply acting with a more precautionary principle to ensure informed decision making is made, not because they have found any semblance of a definitive link.
Despite this label change however, the FDA still claims that there is “an association between acetaminophen and neurological conditions has been described in many studies, a causal relationship has not been established and there are contrary studies in the scientific literature.” This news release from the FDA aims to show a critical distinction between observed associations and a proven cause. Further, the FDA clarifies that acetaminophen remains to be “the only over-the-counter medication approved to treat fevers during pregnancy,” and high fevers themselves pose a great threat to a developing baby.