The Trump administration’s claim alarms expecting mothers—but decades of research show no proof that acetaminophen causes autism. What matters: fever, dose, genetics, and context.
Gerald, thank you for the fact-based clarity offered on this important topic. It’s easy to shorthand the findings and draw spurious or erroneous conclusions. Your clear-eyed outlook and reporting are much in need and greatly appreciated.
The claim made at the press conference was that there is some evidence of the connection -- not that there actually is a connection. Roger Seheult, creator of MedCram and with many board certifications, put out a video on Tuesday
showing that (1) the connection between tylenol and neurodevelopmental problems makes sense biochemically and (2) there is considerable observational research showing the correlation. Seheult often focuses on oxidative stress and the mitochondria, which are at issue here as well.
Given the current medical science on these issues, it makes sense to suggest that pregnant women take precautions, and I find it encouraging that our federal health agencies are united in accelerating these studies.
Did the review of studies offered by the Harvard Review and Mt. Sinai Hospital NOT account for the damage from or complication by high fevers? Does this also mean high fevers may be a stronger factor in causing autism or adhd? I am unclear on this.
Here’s the issue. Documents obtained from the drug manufacturer show emails that employees believed associative evidence to be “heavy”. They talk about hiding this due to brand perception. They even nod to the quality of research that is raising the alarm. Read that all again. The drug company itself believed their product is harmful during pregnancy and discussed that multiple time.
In Harvard’s own words after reviewing 46 studies - “the higher the quality the study, the stronger the association”
It appears the majority of the literature, and the drug companies own beliefs, disagree with some of your statements.
i dont see anything to help me understand how acetaminophen helps with fever, other than managing symptoms. it might be worth looking at how much pregnant women are taking in real life to see if there is a correlation with high intake of acetaminophen during pregnancy and adverse infant health
Fever can be seen as a symptom of an infection, but it can be a dangerous symptom. So since Tylenol reduces fever, yes it reduces a symptom, but if it's a bad enough fever, the Tylenol thus helps protect you.
Just as, if you need glasses because you are near-sighted, that also only treats a symptom, it doesn't cure you --- but it still does something very important.
Not only "just the facts" that we needed at this time, but also explained in a way that us 'mere mortals' can understand! Thank you!
Gerald, thank you for the fact-based clarity offered on this important topic. It’s easy to shorthand the findings and draw spurious or erroneous conclusions. Your clear-eyed outlook and reporting are much in need and greatly appreciated.
The claim made at the press conference was that there is some evidence of the connection -- not that there actually is a connection. Roger Seheult, creator of MedCram and with many board certifications, put out a video on Tuesday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGaQw5HyX38
showing that (1) the connection between tylenol and neurodevelopmental problems makes sense biochemically and (2) there is considerable observational research showing the correlation. Seheult often focuses on oxidative stress and the mitochondria, which are at issue here as well.
Given the current medical science on these issues, it makes sense to suggest that pregnant women take precautions, and I find it encouraging that our federal health agencies are united in accelerating these studies.
Did the review of studies offered by the Harvard Review and Mt. Sinai Hospital NOT account for the damage from or complication by high fevers? Does this also mean high fevers may be a stronger factor in causing autism or adhd? I am unclear on this.
The risks for high fevers (above 101.4) are other than autism
Here’s the issue. Documents obtained from the drug manufacturer show emails that employees believed associative evidence to be “heavy”. They talk about hiding this due to brand perception. They even nod to the quality of research that is raising the alarm. Read that all again. The drug company itself believed their product is harmful during pregnancy and discussed that multiple time.
In Harvard’s own words after reviewing 46 studies - “the higher the quality the study, the stronger the association”
It appears the majority of the literature, and the drug companies own beliefs, disagree with some of your statements.
Outstanding review Gerald. Concise and straight to the point. So what exactly is Trump and RFKJr basing their claims on then?
Thank you for rediscovering the wheel. Science already knew and understood everything you said here.
Thank you also for offering medical advice from a non-medical person. Maybe better if that advice came from experts in the field?
i dont see anything to help me understand how acetaminophen helps with fever, other than managing symptoms. it might be worth looking at how much pregnant women are taking in real life to see if there is a correlation with high intake of acetaminophen during pregnancy and adverse infant health
Fever can be seen as a symptom of an infection, but it can be a dangerous symptom. So since Tylenol reduces fever, yes it reduces a symptom, but if it's a bad enough fever, the Tylenol thus helps protect you.
Just as, if you need glasses because you are near-sighted, that also only treats a symptom, it doesn't cure you --- but it still does something very important.
Johns Hopkins fro 2019
https://x.com/PAMarine412/status/1971227783293698517
Mount Sinai
https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2025/mount-sinai-study-supports-evidence-that-prenatal-acetaminophen-use-may-be-linked-to-increased-risk-of-autism-and-adhd
Various others
https://x.com/Leibs_/status/1971214350569570623