US President Donald Trump's claims that paracetamol causes autism have been debunked by a comprehensive review of 43 studies on the subject. The study, published in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health, found no evidence to suggest that maternal paracetamol use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability among children.
The gold-standard review, which has been hailed as the most rigorous analysis of the evidence to date, examined the health outcomes of over 1 million children born to mothers who used paracetamol during pregnancy. The study's authors concluded that paracetamol remains a safe option for pregnant women when taken as guided, and that the medication does not pose an increased risk of autism or other developmental disorders.
The findings directly contradict Trump's claims, which sparked anxiety among pregnant women around the world. Trump had suggested that all pregnant women should talk to their doctors about limiting the use of paracetamol while pregnant, citing a supposed link between the medication and autism. However, the new study has identified no association between exposure to paracetamol in utero and an increased risk of autism or other developmental disorders.
The researchers attribute the observed associations between paracetamol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism or developmental disorders to "familial and genetic factors" rather than any direct effect of the medication. They also suggest that an underlying health condition prompting regular use of paracetamol may play a more significant role in shaping neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Health experts have welcomed the study's findings, stating that expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for headaches could have far-reaching effects on their child's health. The UK's Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has also advised women to ignore Trump's claims and reassure them that paracetamol is safe to use when pregnant and in pain or suffering a fever.
The gold-standard review, which has been hailed as the most rigorous analysis of the evidence to date, examined the health outcomes of over 1 million children born to mothers who used paracetamol during pregnancy. The study's authors concluded that paracetamol remains a safe option for pregnant women when taken as guided, and that the medication does not pose an increased risk of autism or other developmental disorders.
The findings directly contradict Trump's claims, which sparked anxiety among pregnant women around the world. Trump had suggested that all pregnant women should talk to their doctors about limiting the use of paracetamol while pregnant, citing a supposed link between the medication and autism. However, the new study has identified no association between exposure to paracetamol in utero and an increased risk of autism or other developmental disorders.
The researchers attribute the observed associations between paracetamol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism or developmental disorders to "familial and genetic factors" rather than any direct effect of the medication. They also suggest that an underlying health condition prompting regular use of paracetamol may play a more significant role in shaping neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Health experts have welcomed the study's findings, stating that expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for headaches could have far-reaching effects on their child's health. The UK's Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has also advised women to ignore Trump's claims and reassure them that paracetamol is safe to use when pregnant and in pain or suffering a fever.
. All those people freakin' out about paracetamol and autism... it just doesn't add up, you know? I mean, come on, we're talkin' about millions of moms who took paracetamol without any adverse effects on their kids 
. And now the scientists are sayin' it's all about familial and genetic stuff? Like, duh! 
I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty worried when Trump started spoutin' that nonsense 
. But hey, at least we got some clarity on this one. Let's just hope expectant moms don't end up feelin' anxious about takin' their meds 
.
! trump's claims about paracetamol were literally crazy 
, i was worried sick thinking it could be true 
. thankfully the study proved him wrong once and for all 
. it's so important to have reputable sources like lancet backing up these findings 
. can't believe trump even suggested that women should limit paracetamol use during pregnancy 
health experts are super wise 
, glad they're telling us what's really going on here 
. and to all the expectant mums out there, just remember: paracetamol is safe when taken as directed 
. now can we move on from this drama? 
I mean, come on, folks, you'd think someone who's had more than 5 facelifts would know better than to spread unverified info about paracetamol and autism 
. The fact that it took a gold-standard review of 43 studies to debunk this nonsense is just mind-boggling 
. It's like, no kidding, paracetamol has been used by millions of people worldwide without causing autism or any other developmental disorders 
.
... I mean, can you even believe some people say stuff like that? Like, what's wrong with taking meds for headaches?! My mom takes paracetamol all the time when she has a fever and it's never done her or anyone else any harm 
. I don't get why Trump would say something so crazy about it... like, did he do some research or something? 
. Anyway, I'm glad I can finally stop worrying about taking my meds while pregnant 
anyway this new study just dropped and its a total game changer they found ZERO link between the two 
so yeah no need to freak out pregnant women or stress about it when you're actually safe 
its all about fam and genetics now 
not some crazy paracetamol myth 
it's crazy he can just go around spreading misinformation like that. i guess the new study puts this myth to rest once and for all 
But I guess when you're the leader of the free world, you can just make stuff up and see what happens 
. Like, who was this guy Trump even talking to that said paracetamol causes autism? 
.