Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol, Paracetamol, and Calpol.
As parents, we all want the best for our children’s health and well-being. But with so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know what to believe.
One topic that has been particularly controversial in recent years is the potential link between acetaminophen and autism and asthma.
Some studies have suggested a connection, while others have found no evidence of causation. So what should parents make of this?
The latest research on acetaminophen points to possible effects on neurodevelopmental disorders like autism as well as respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Introduction to Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a medication that is commonly used to relieve pain and fever. It is available over the counter and is often used as a first-line treatment for pain and fever relief.
Acetaminophen is also found in many cold and flu medications. While acetaminophen is generally considered safe, there may be some potential risks associated with its use, particularly in young children and pregnant mothers.
There has been some concern expressed that acetaminophen may be linked to autism and asthma. However, the research on this topic is inconclusive. Parents should discuss any concerns they have with their child’s doctor.
Research on Acetaminophen and Autism
There is a lot of research out there on acetaminophen and its potential links to autism and asthma. Some studies have found a correlation between the two, while others have not. The jury is still out on whether or not there is a causal link between the two conditions.
A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry in 2016 found that children who were exposed to acetaminophen in utero were more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder than those who were not exposed. This study looked at data from over 64,000 children in the Autism Speaks Autism Genetic Resource Exchange.
Another study, published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2015, found that acetaminophen use during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma. This study looked at data from over 1 million pregnant women in Denmark.
Research on Acetaminophen and Asthma
There is growing evidence that acetaminophen may be linked to autism and asthma. In a recent study, researchers found that children who were exposed to acetaminophen in utero were more likely to be diagnosed with autism than those who were not exposed.
Other research has shown that acetaminophen use during pregnancy can increase the risk of asthma in offspring. One theory is that acetaminophen may interfere with the development of the immune system, making children more susceptible to allergies and respiratory problems.
While more research is needed to confirm or rule out these links, parents should be aware of the possibility of potential risks associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the best way to relieve pain and fever during pregnancy.
Although the research is not conclusive. It would be wise to say that when one is not sure, it is best to avoid said substance as much as one can to be on the safe side.
Alternatives to Acetaminophen
Homoeopathy provides a great alternative to acetaminophen/paracetamol. There are many homoeopathic remedies that may help with pain relief as well as acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy etc.) Pregnant women should always make sure that they inform their practitioner about their pregnancy status.
Conclusion and Sources
Acetaminophen is also a leading cause of liver failure and liver transplantation. (See sources below)
Despite years of information on acetaminophen being harmless during pregnancy, a growing body of evidence suggests that it may increase the baby’s risk of autism, ADHD, urological diseases and reproductive disorders in later life.
People often think that acetaminophen is a harmless medication you can use for any pain without the risk of side effects.
“Tylenol may cause potential abnormal development of children who have been exposed prenatally” – Dr Neale; Journal of Nature Reviews Endocrinology. (See sources)
Tylenol depletes the key antioxidant of human physiology: Glutathione.
Glutathione is essential for preventing oxidative damage, detoxification, immune functions, tissue repair. Unlike other oxidants, glutathione prevents oxidative damage to the brain. Low Glutathione equals the onset of brain damage.
Avoiding Acetaminophen as much as one can be seen as critical as avoiding alcohol, smoking, mercury and caffeine during pregnancy. Research indicates that 65% of American women take paracetamol/acetaminophen during pregnancy.
The FDA and MHRA supervise “dangerous nutritional supplements” and “dangerous natural remedies” while acetaminophen has the potential to kill people.
Acetaminophen alone causes more emergency room visits than all those caused by taking dietary supplements and natural remedies combined. Yet the FDA and MHRA closely supervise natural remedies and dietary supplements while allowing Acetaminophen into the market as an over-the-counter drug.
Perhaps natural remedies cannot be proven safe and effective because they cannot be patented? Why would anyone spend millions of dollars proving a natural substance’s safety when they are unable to make any money in return?
The reality is that no matter how well a natural substance works, it will never be classified as having “safe and effective” status according to/by the FDA and MHRA because nobody pays for the research, unlike conventional drugs.
On the contrary, it is illegal to advertise anything that is not considered “safe and effective” by the FDA/MHRA excluding all natural remedies by default.
The thalidomide and the tobacco stories keep springing to mind.
So think twice before relying on drugs which are ultimately sold to make a profit. I know it can be hard watching your little ones crying in discomfort and pain and we desperately want to soothe them.
Think hard before taking acetaminophen or giving it to your child. The more we give acetaminophen, the more chances we have of causing the side effects described above.
Consider alternative tools for pain and fever relief such as aromatherapy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, osteopathy, cranial osteopathy etc.
Some Sources:
Liver failure and liver transplantation. https://www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/depression/2233
Liver failure and liver transplantation – https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/820200-overview
Liver failure and liver transplantation – https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hep.20312
The Tylenol Autism Lawsuit is an ongoing class action lawsuit over parents taking the – Autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental disorders. – https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/tylenol-autism-lawsuit.html
Acetaminophen: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/acetaminophen
Acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neurodevelopment: attention function and autism spectrum symptoms https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/45/6/1987/2617189
Acute Liver Failure including Acetaminophen Overdose
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2504411/
Acetaminophen use and asthma in children
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5349720/
Paracetamol use during pregnancy — a call for precautionary action
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-021-00553-7
Acetaminophen decreases intracellular glutathione levels and modulates cytokine production in human alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes in vitro
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15878691/
Acetaminophen in Pregnancy and Adverse Childhood Neurodevelopment
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2601240
Acetaminophen study yields new insights into neurobiological underpinnings of empathy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5411473/
Glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26770075/
Acetaminophen and the U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group: lowering the risks of hepatic failure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15239078/
Association of Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy With Behavioral Problems in Childhood: Evidence Against Confounding
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5300094/
Prenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: Meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8542535/
A review of the evidence concerning hepatic glutathione depletion and susceptibility to hepatotoxicity after paracetamol overdose
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4753970/
Prenatal Exposure to Acetaminophen and Risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis of Cohort Studies https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/187/8/1817/4980325
Use of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) During Pregnancy and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Offspring – https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/neurodevelopmental/autism-spectrum-disorders/acetaminophen-paracetamol-during-pregnancy-risk-autism/
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This article is intended purely for educational purposes, and the reader should make their own enquiries and seek out the guidance of a medical professional.