Does paracetamol cause autism?
This fact-check may be outdated. Consider refreshing it to get the most current information.
Was this fact-check helpful?
1. Summary of the results
The claim that paracetamol causes autism is a topic of ongoing debate and research, with some studies suggesting a possible link between maternal prenatal use of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in paracetamol) and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring [1]. However, many experts argue that the evidence is not conclusive and that focusing on this link is a distraction from more complex causes of autism [2]. Some studies have found an association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [1] [3], while others have found no link [4] [5]. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a process for a label change for acetaminophen to reflect evidence suggesting a possible association with an increased risk of neurological conditions such as autism and ADHD in children, but notes that a causal relationship has not been established [6]. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) states that paracetamol can be used during pregnancy if clinically needed, and that there is no new evidence to suggest that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children [7].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
A key point missing from the original statement is the distinction between association and causation, with many experts emphasizing that association is not the same as causation and that confounding factors may explain any apparent links [2] [5]. Additionally, the potential risks of untreated fever and pain during pregnancy, which can pose health risks to the baby, are not considered in the original statement [5]. Alternative viewpoints include the possibility that the link between acetaminophen and autism is due to confounding factors, such as the underlying condition being treated with acetaminophen, rather than the medication itself [2]. Furthermore, the FDA's and EMA's positions on the use of paracetamol during pregnancy highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of the potential risks and benefits [6] [7]. The complexity of autism as a condition and the need for further research to fully understand its causes are also important context that is missing from the original statement [1] [2].
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement "Does paracetamol cause autism?" is potentially misleading, as it implies a causal link between paracetamol and autism, which has not been established [2] [6]. Many experts, including those cited in the analyses, argue that the evidence is not conclusive and that focusing on this link is a distraction from more complex causes of autism [2]. The pharmaceutical industry, which manufactures paracetamol, may benefit from downplaying any potential link between the medication and autism, while advocacy groups for autism research may benefit from highlighting the potential link to raise awareness and funding for research [1] [5]. The media and public figures, such as Trump, who have linked paracetamol to autism, may also be perpetuating misinformation or sensationalism, which can be harmful to public health and understanding [2] [4].