In a controversial move that is sending shockwaves through the medical community, US political figure Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made startling allegations connecting a common over-the-counter painkiller to the rising rates of autism spectrum disorders.
Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, is now targeting acetaminophen—known in the UK as paracetamol—claiming its use during pregnancy is a significant contributor to neurodevelopmental issues in children. This assertion directly challenges established NHS guidance, which deems the drug safe for use by expectant mothers.
The Folic Acid Counter-Claim
Adding another layer to his argument, Kennedy controversially suggested that folic acid, a vitamin routinely recommended to prevent birth defects, might actually enhance the alleged damaging effects of acetaminophen. This claim stands in stark opposition to decades of public health advice promoting folic acid supplementation for all women trying to conceive.
A Divided Scientific Response
The medical world remains deeply divided on the issue. While some studies have hinted at a potential correlation, leading health bodies like the FDA and the NHS maintain that the current evidence is insufficient to prove causation. They continue to advise that paracetamol is the safest option for pain and fever relief during pregnancy when used as directed.
Kennedy's comments have ignited a fresh firestorm in the ongoing debate about autism's causes, pitting alternative theories against mainstream medical consensus and leaving many parents searching for clarity amidst the conflicting information.
