US President Donald Trump warned pregnant women against taking the popular brand of paracetamol, Tylenol, saying it could cause autism – but the company has hit back at his claims
The manufacturer of a paracetamol brand that Donald Trump claimed could trigger autism has dismissed the US President’s assertions.
The world leader declared that pregnant women should steer clear of the medication Tylenol unless they’re battling an “extremely high fever” and also advised parents against administering it to their youngsters.
During a press briefing in the Oval Office alongside Robert F Kennedy Jr, Mr Trump declared: “Fight like hell not to take it” and implied that expectant mothers “have a responsibility” to bear discomfort rather than consume the paracetamol brand.
However, Kenvue, the company behind Tylenol, has slammed the President’s assertions, maintaining that the medication remains safe for pregnant women.
The consumer health giant, which also produces Calpol, Benadryl, Trosyd and other well-known products, stated categorically that no connection exists between Tylenol and autism, reports the Mirror.
UK specialists have also raised concerns about Mr Trump’s contentious declaration.
One researcher has argued that Mr Trump’s stance “risks stigmatising families who have autistic children as having brought it on themselves”.
Meanwhile, the NHS website confirms that “paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant. It’s commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby”. Kenvue’s full statement, given to the Mirror this morning, reads: “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned about the health risks and confusion this poses for expecting mothers and parents.
“Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy. Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mum and baby or use riskier alternatives. High fevers and pain are widely recognised as potential risks to a pregnancy if left untreated.
“Acetaminophen is also one of the most widely studied pain relievers and fever reducers in infants and children, and numerous randomised, controlled clinical trials support the safety of acetaminophen in infants and children when used as directed.
“The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. We stand with the many public health and medical professionals who have reviewed this science and agree.
“We will continue to reinforce that expecting mothers speak to their health professionals before taking any over-the-counter medication and will explore all options to protect the health interests of American women and children.”
Paracetamol – Tylenol’s active ingredient – remains the safest pain relief choice for expectant mothers, it added, and without it, women are left with a perilous decision between enduring conditions like fever or turning to riskier options.
During the press conference, the President described the increase in autism across the US as “one of most alarming medical crises in history,” pointing to a 400-per-cent rise over recent decades. He stated: “You know it’s something artificial. With Tylenol, don’t take it. There’s not an alternative to that.”
However, studies examining paracetamol – the active component in Tylenol – have produced mixed results, and leading health authorities continue to endorse it for pregnant women. No conclusive evidence exists linking it to foetal brain development issues.
Meanwhile, folic acid, also referred to as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient that aids DNA synthesis and helps replicate and repair cells across the body. Women are already encouraged to take folic acid whilst pregnant to prevent birth defects affecting the foetal brain and spinal cord, but emerging research indicates it might help restore neural pathways in a child’s brain long after delivery.
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