Scientific American stated that there is no connection between paracetamol and autism

The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing a statement on the connection between the use of paracetamol (Tylenol) during pregnancy due to the increase in cases of autism spectrum disorders in children. However, the largest studies show that the evidence for this connection remains weak, and doctors warn of the risk of unreasonable anxiety among pregnant women. This was reported on September 22 in the journal Scientific American.

"More than 50 years of scientific research have shown that there is no simple answer to the question of the causes of autism. This is a complex neurodevelopmental disease that occurs as a result of a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences," the article said.

According to the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), acetaminophen is one of the few painkillers allowed during pregnancy in consultation with a doctor. Despite recent unsubstantiated claims, there is no convincing evidence linking its reasonable use with fetal development problems. The organization said their "recommendations remain the same."

In the USA, a link has been established between paracetamol and autism in newborns. What you need to know

In addition, a number of studies in the United States and Europe found only a slight increase in the risk of autism in children whose mothers took acetaminophen during pregnancy. The largest analysis of almost 2.5 million births in Sweden in 2024 showed an increase in risk of only 0.09 percentage points. Experts suggest that the results could have been influenced by concomitant factors: infections or high fever, which caused pregnant women to take the drug.

"We believe that independent and reliable scientific evidence clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any claims to the contrary and are deeply concerned about the health risks this poses to expectant mothers," said a representative of Kenvue, the manufacturer of paracetamol.

According to experts, statements by the authorities about weak and controversial correlations can cause anxiety among pregnant women and change medical practice without sufficient scientific grounds.

On September 22, Trump announced that the United States Department of Health would inform that taking paracetamol during pregnancy increases the risk of developing autism in a child. In addition, Trump urged all pregnant women not to take paracetamol except "if they are already on the verge of death," and also not to give it to children.

On September 21, at the farewell ceremony for American political activist Charlie Kirk, the US president promised to name the cause of autism. He stressed that his administration has found an answer to the question of why there are more and more children with autism in the United States and how the situation can be improved.

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