Study finds no strong evidence linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism or ADHD

ISTANBUL

A new analysis published Monday in the British Medical Journal finds no convincing evidence that taking acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, during pregnancy increases the risk of autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, a finding at odds with recent claims by top US officials.

When studies accounted for shared family factors such as genetics and environment, any apparent link between acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders largely disappeared, said the researchers, based on a review of dozens of studies.

The review, described as an “umbrella analysis,” evaluated how reliable existing studies are amid growing debate about the medication’s safety in pregnancy.

It found that earlier findings were often influenced by unmeasured confounders, including parental health and lifestyle differences, rather than the drug itself.

“The current evidence base is insufficient to definitively link in utero exposure to acetaminophen with autism and ADHD in childhood,” the authors wrote. They called for new high-quality studies that better control for genetic and environmental factors.

In September, US President Donald Trump claimed that the use of Tylenol, also known as paracetamol, during pregnancy may be linked to a “significantly increased risk of autism,” a claim rejected by many public health authorities. From the COVID-19 pandemic, during his first term as president, Trump is known for embracing fringe and unproven health claims.

Acetaminophen -- widely sold under the brand name Tylenol in the United States and paracetamol elsewhere -- remains the recommended treatment for fever and pain relief during pregnancy, according to medical authorities worldwide.

The researchers said their findings should reassure parents and healthcare providers but also underscore the need for more rigorous research on potential long-term effects.

ISTANBUL

The review, described as an “umbrella analysis,” evaluated how reliable existing studies are amid growing debate about the medication’s safety in pregnancy.

It found that earlier findings were often influenced by unmeasured confounders, including parental health and lifestyle differences, rather than the drug itself.

The researchers said their findings should reassure parents and healthcare providers but also underscore the need for more rigorous research on potential long-term effects.