U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to release a report suggesting that the use of Kenvue’s over-the-counter pain reliever Tylenol by pregnant women could be linked to autism, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The report will also propose that folinic acid, a derivative of folate, may help treat autism symptoms in some cases, though evidence supporting these claims has not been provided.
Following the report, Kenvue shares fell 14 percent. Tylenol, whose active ingredient is acetaminophen, is widely used, including among expecting mothers.
Kenvue stated that there is no proven causal link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, advising pregnant women to consult healthcare professionals before taking over-the-counter medications.
The Wall Street Journal said the report is likely to highlight potential connections between low folate levels, acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
However, leading health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, continue to support the safety of acetaminophen during pregnancy.
Kennedy’s claims echo earlier positions from the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, which cited studies indicating possible associations but also noted more research is needed.
Previous large-scale studies, including one of 2.4 million children in Sweden, have found no causal link. Experts warn that neurodevelopmental disorders are complex and cannot be attributed to a single factor.
