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Trump admin draws unproven link between autism and Tylenol ingredient use during pregnancy
Kenvue Kenvue (US:KVUE) CNBCยท2025-09-22 20:52

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration has drawn an unproven link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting existing scientific literature that suggests no causal relationship [1][4][9] Group 1: Acetaminophen and Pregnancy - Acetaminophen, particularly in the form of Kenvue's Tylenol, is widely regarded as a safe option for pain and fever relief during pregnancy when used at recommended doses [2] - Kenvue has expressed strong disagreement with the administration's claims, emphasizing that independent scientific evidence supports the safety of acetaminophen and warns against the health risks posed to expecting mothers if they avoid the drug [3][4] Group 2: Risks of Untreated Conditions - Untreated fever and pain during pregnancy can lead to serious risks for both the mother and infant, including miscarriage, birth defects, and high blood pressure, as noted by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine [4] Group 3: Leucovorin as a Treatment - The Trump administration has also highlighted leucovorin as a potential treatment for autism symptoms, with some early clinical trials indicating its effectiveness in improving symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder [5] - The FDA announced approval for a version of leucovorin previously made by GSK, although there was a subsequent request to withdraw this notice [6] Group 4: Broader Context of Autism Research - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has focused on autism within the Health and Human Services department, pledging to identify its causes and eliminate exposures, while also launching extensive research efforts involving numerous scientists [8] - The scientific consensus suggests that autism arises from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, making it improbable that a single cause accounts for the rising rates of the disorder [9]