What the science says about acetaminophen, pregnant mothers and autism

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has in recent months teased a September announcement in which he would identify the cause of autism. This week, some close to the Trump administration and one major news outlet suggested Kennedy could point in the direction of acetaminophen use during pregnancy as one possible link.

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Kennedy was planning to announce a link between autism and Tylenol use by pregnant women, as well as autism and low levels of folate (an essential vitamin that helps the body produce cells), among other potential causes. NBC News has not confirmed that reporting.

Tylenol’s active ingredient is acetaminophen, a drug that is known as an analgesic, which can help with pain relief. Many over-the-counter drugs contain acetaminophen.

Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in an email: “We are using gold-standard science to get to the bottom of America’s unprecedented rise in autism rates. Until we release the final report, any claims about its contents are nothing more than speculation.”

Kenvue, the company that makes Tylenol, said in a statement that “nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products. We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.”