Trump's announcement follows a review of research, external in August, led by the dean of Harvard University's Chan School of Public Health, which found a potential association, meaning that children may be more likely to develop autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders when exposed to Tylenol during pregnancy. But there may be other explanations for that link.
The team analysed 46 older studies, of which 27 reported a link between the use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in the painkiller, and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism and ADHD. But others they looked at showed no significant link.
The authors said that more research was needed to confirm the findings, but recommended cautious time limited use of the drug. They also recognised that it was still important for treating maternal fever and pain.
Another study conducted in Japan earlier this year found a small increased risk of autism linked to acetaminophen. But it said "misclassification and other biases may partially explain these associations".
But the Swedish study last year found no evidence to support a casual link between autism and acetaminophen.
The widely held view of researchers is that there is no single cause of autism, which is thought to be the result of a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors.
In a statement to the BBC, Tylenol maker Kenvue said the science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism.
"We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers."
[SRC] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg4230d0x0go
