Tylenol makers hit back as Donald Trump issues advice to pregnant women about autism

The maker of a paracetamol Donald Trump warned pregnant women not to take - as he stressed it could cause autism - has rubbished the US President's claims.

The world leader said pregnant women should avoid the drug Tylenol unless they have an "extremely high fever" and he also urged parents not to give it to their children. Speaking at a press conference in the Oval Office alongside Robert F Kennedy Jr, Mr Trump said: "Fight like hell not to take it" and suggested pregnant women "have a responsibility" to endure pain instead of taking the brand of paracetamol.

But Kenvue, which makes Tylenol, has hit out at the President's claims, insisting the drug is safe for pregnant women. In a statement, the consumer health company, which also makes Calpol, Benadryl, Trosyd and other popular products, said there is no link between Tylenol and autism.

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Experts in the UK have also sounded the alarm over Mr Trump's controversial announcement. One scientist has claimed Mr Trump's move "risks stigmatising families who have autistic children as having brought it on themselves".

And the NHS website says "paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant. It’s commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby".

Kenvue's full statement, given to the Mirrorthis morning, reads: "We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned about the health risks and confusion this poses for expecting mothers and parents.

"Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy. Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives. High fevers and pain are widely recognized as potential risks to a pregnancy if left untreated.

"Acetaminophen is also one of the most widely studied pain relievers and fever reducers in infants and children, and numerous randomised, controlled clinical trials support the safety of acetaminophen in infants and children when used as directed.

"The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. We stand with the many public health and medical professionals who have reviewed this science and agree.

"We will continue to reinforce that expecting mothers speak to their health professionals before taking any over-the-counter medication and will explore all options to protect the health interests of American women and children.”

Acetaminophen - Tylenol's active ingredient - is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women, it added, and without it, women face a dangerous choice between suffering through conditions like fever or using riskier alternatives.

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In the press conference, the President called the rise of autism in the US "one of most alarming medical crises in history," citing a 400-per-cent surge over the last several decades. He said: "You know it's something artificial. With Tylenol, don't take it. There's not an alternative to that."

But research around acetaminophen - the active ingredient in Tylenol - has been inconsistent, and major health bodies still recommend it for pregnant women. There has been no definitive research it causes fetal brain development.

Meanwhile, folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a vital nutrient that helps synthesise DNA and replicates and repairs cells throughout the body. Women are already advised to take folic acid during pregnancy to prevent birth defects in the fetal brain and spinal cord, but a growing body of research suggests it could help repair pathways in a child's brain well after birth.