Lancet review finds no evidence prenatal acetaminophen raises autism or ADHD risk
Lancet meta-analysis finds no link between prenatal acetaminophen and autism, ADHD or intellectual disability when used as directed; experts reassure pregnant women about its safety.
Overview
Researchers led by Dr. Asma Khalil reviewed 43 high-quality studies in The Lancet journal, finding no evidence that prenatal acetaminophen increases autism, ADHD or intellectual disability risk.
The review prioritized sibling-comparison and low-bias studies to reduce genetic and environmental confounding, and found null associations consistent across long-term follow-up analyses.
The analysis responds to public claims by President Donald Trump and HHS warnings; authors and many medical groups say findings should reassure pregnant women about acetaminophen use.
US HHS noted ongoing concerns and differing reviews, including studies suggesting potential associations with heavy or prolonged use; authors caution about study limitations and recommend cautious interpretation.
Clinicians advise using the lowest effective acetaminophen dose for the shortest time, and to seek medical care for persistent fever or severe symptoms during pregnancy to protect mother and fetus.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a scientific rebuttal to Trump's warning, privileging rigorous evidence and expert voices. They use evaluative language ("gold-standard," "most thorough") and detailed methodological description, foregrounding consensus that acetaminophen is safe in pregnancy while relegating dissenting views to brief departmental criticism, minimizing ongoing controversy.
Sources (7)
FAQ
The meta-analysis of 43 high-quality studies found no evidence linking prenatal acetaminophen use, when taken as directed, to increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children.
Sibling-comparison studies control for genetic and environmental confounding factors by comparing outcomes in siblings from the same mother where one pregnancy involved acetaminophen use and the other did not.
The review responds to public claims by President Donald Trump and US HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who cited other studies suggesting risks from prenatal acetaminophen.
The 2025 review by Baccarelli found significant links in many studies but devalued sibling-control designs, while the Lancet study prioritized low-bias, sibling studies and found no associations.
Organizations like ACOG advise using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, following label instructions, and seeking medical advice for persistent symptoms.
History
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