Drexel Scientist Debunks Trump’s Tylenol and Autism Claims

Brian Lee, a researcher at Drexel University, has undertaken one of the most extensive studies so far about the safety of taking Tylenol during pregnancy. His research was published last year in the well-respected JAMA journal, and the findings revealed no connection between the use of Tylenol and the development of autism in children.

This result aligns with long-established medical advice encouraging pregnant women to use Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, to alleviate pain or reduce fevers that can pose risks during pregnancy.

In contrast to these conclusions, Donald Trump recently made headlines by claiming that using this common over-the-counter drug during pregnancy could jeopardize fetal health. His remarks, presented at a press conference, were deemed a significant medical claim.

Additionally, Trump’s administration announced that the FDA would approve leucovorin, a generic folate treatment, for autistic children during this gathering, with prominent figures like Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary present.

Researchers have debated possible connections between acetaminophen and autism for over a decade. While no definitive evidence proves that the drug causes autism, some past studies reported an association, whereas others, including Lee’s, detected none.

Lee’s Extensive Research

Lee’s study looked at a sample size of 2.5 million mothers and children in Sweden over two decades, analyzing the potential links between Tylenol and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. Initially identifying a minor statistical correlation, Lee reminded us that correlation does not signify causation.

He illustrated this concept with an analogy: enjoying ice cream might correlate with drowning incidents, but it’s not the dessert causing it—it’s more likely a hot day prompting individuals to swim after indulging.

To clarify the association, Lee performed a sibling analysis, comparing outcomes between children born to the same parents. This method helped rule out genetics since shared genes can heavily influence autism risk.

According to Lee, this analysis showed no association at all.

Most studies conventionally compare Tylenol-exposed kids and unrelated peers who have not used it, which doesn’t consider genetic factors or the health of the mother during pregnancy. “People don’t take Tylenol ‘just because’—it’s usually to address an issue like infection or fever, which could also be related to neurodevelopmental conditions,” Lee explained.

Neglecting these elements could explain why some research suggests a weak link, even in absence of causation.

Furthermore, Lee mentioned that evaluating acetaminophen’s connection to autism is complicated due to the lack of randomized controlled trials, which are key for establishing direct links.

Current studies frequently rely on observational methods, which are inherently less robust since they don’t adequately address genetic variables, or on animal studies that might not directly correlate with human conditions.

According to Lee, when sibling-controlled analyses are examined, the results indicate no harmful impacts from acetaminophen on neurodevelopment.

Trump Administration’s Perspective

During the same press conference, Kennedy introduced a $50 million Autism Data Science Initiative aimed at researching the causes of autism and seeking environmental factors that may contribute to its increasing prevalence in the U.S.

While acknowledging the pursuit of wider understandings beyond genetics may be beneficial, Drexel’s researcher Matthew Lerner emphasized the indispensable conclusion drawn over recent decades that genetics significantly determine autism risk for any given person.

Medical communities have pushed back firmly against any implications that Tylenol use could be linked with autism since reports emerged on the Trump administration’s position. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reassured through a post on Sept. 5 that using acetaminophen during pregnancy remains safe.

The Fallout of Trump’s Recommendations

Trump has explicitly advised against the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, warning it could increase autism risks, prompting statements like, “‘Don’t take Tylenol. Don’t give Tylenol to the baby.'” He reassured his stance by saying there’s no negative side to abstaining from the medication.

Lee is concerned that adhering to Trump’s advice could leave pregnant women without appropriate options for pain relief, as acetaminophen is deemed the safest choice during pregnancy.

“Dealing with pain isn’t just something you tough out. It’s a genuine issue,” Lee remarked. Neglecting approaches to treat fevers proficiently could also be risky; pediatrician Paul Offit highlighted that untreated fevers during early pregnancy can pose significant threats to fetal development.

Concerned Lee noted that Trump’s mixed signals could breed confusion for individuals without the background to critically evaluate such claims.

He urged reliance on well-founded experts, such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which have consistently found no causal link between acetaminophen usage and autism risks.

“Conflicting messages create difficulty for the public,” Lee reiterated, paralleling this situation to recent shifts in vaccine recommendations specifically promoted by the Trump administration.

“It appears there’s more emphasis on policy-centered evidence rather than evidence-based policy,” Lee concluded.

Staff writer Aubrey Whelan contributed to this article.