The Department of Health and Human Services is reportedly set to release a report linking Tylenol usage during pregnancy and folate deficiency to autism, according to the Wall Street Journal. The findings, which have already caused shares of Kenvue—manufacturer of Tylenol—to fall 10%, suggest that low levels of folate and acetaminophen use during gestation could contribute to developmental disorders in children.
The report, expected this month, is said to highlight the potential risks associated with acetaminophen, a widely used pain reliever, and its interaction with folate deficiency. It also proposes that a form of folate called folinic acid may help mitigate autism symptoms in some individuals. The study notes that autism affects approximately one in 31 eight-year-olds in the U.S., with concerns over environmental and medical factors intensifying.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains that Tylenol is generally safe during pregnancy but advises consultation with healthcare providers before use. However, critics argue that the report’s focus on pharmaceuticals overlooks broader systemic issues, including the role of vaccines in autism prevalence.
The controversy has reignited debates about public health policies, with some questioning whether the findings will shift blame onto medications while ignoring other potential causes. The article also references claims about Marin County, California, where a decline in autism rates coincided with reduced vaccination schedules. However, these assertions remain unverified, and experts emphasize that no credible evidence supports a causal link between vaccines and autism.
RFK Jr.’s involvement has drawn sharp criticism, with detractors condemning his role in promoting the report as reckless and misleading. The controversy underscores growing public skepticism toward medical authorities and corporate interests, as calls for transparency and independent research continue to mount.