Doctor's health warning to anyone that takes paracetamol as Trump makes bombshell autism claim
While millions in America were mourning the death of Charlie Kirk this weekend, Donald Trump used his funeral speech as an opportunity to share some concerning claims about the alleged origins of autism.
Speaking at the service in Arizona on Sunday (21 September), the president received significant backlash after going slightly off topic and discussing 'the biggest medical announcement in the history of the country' which he would later confirm on Monday.
He had disputed medical advice and claimed that Tylenol, a common over-the-counter paracetamol in the US, could be the cause of autism when it is taken by pregnant women or young children.
At a press conference alongside health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr on Monday (22 September), the 79-year-old said that the drug, as well as vaccines, could be behind what he describes as a 'meteoric rise' in autism.
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He said: "The meteoric rise in autism is among the most alarming public health developments in history. There's never been anything like this.
"So taking Tylenol is not good. For this reason, they are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary."
Trump and Kennedy Jr, who has long been against the use of vaccines despite his role as the health secretary, added that the scientific process which has saved 154 million lives in the last 50 years alone might also be an explanation for autism.
The president alleged: "It's too much liquid, too many different things are going into that baby at too big a number the size of this thing. When you look at it, it's like 80 different vaccines and beyond vaccines, 80, and you give that to a little kid."
Naturally, it's best to follow the advice of health professionals rather than a man who suggested 'injecting' disinfectant during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it seems as if US doctors may soon advise against the use of Tylenol in pregnant patients.
And while Trump is almost certainly wrong on this occasion, there are some health risks associated with taking paracetamol, especially if you do it on a regular basis.
During an episode of This Morning, Dr Semiya Aziz explained why it might be best to speak to a doctor if you're currently taking paracetamol on the long term.
She said: "Currently, we know paracetamol in the lowest effective dose over a short period of time - for headaches, for fevers - is absolutely fine.
"A recent study has come out with the fact that people who are taking paracetamol on a long-term basis regularly can have an increase in their blood pressure.
"We know that has been the case for people who have been on anti-inflammatories, for example, ibuprofen, aspirin, but paracetamol can cause an increase in blood pressure for those who are on it for longer periods of time.
"So what all the studies are suggesting is that, yes, you can have paracetamol for short periods of time but if you are on it long-term, go and speak to your health care professional and discuss it with them.
"Because high blood pressure can result in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes."
So, you probably shouldn't be worried about paracetamol causing autism but like any medication, there are health concerns that could arise if you take it more than you should.
The National Autistic Society, a charity in the UK, has also spoken out to condemn Trump's claims as 'irresponsible' and 'dangerous'.
Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said: "This is dangerous, it's anti-science and it's irresponsible. President Donald Trump is peddling the worst myths of recent decades. Such dangerous pseudo-science is putting pregnant women and children at risk and devaluing autistic people.
"Let's be clear - painkillers do not cause autism and vaccines do not cause autism. Large-scale studies have shown that there is no robust, scientific evidence to support this claim. It’s nothing more than fear mongering.
"The incessant misinformation about autism from President Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr risks undermining decades of research by respected experts in the field.
"Understandably, autistic people will be dismayed and frightened by this announcement, and we would urge our Government and the NHS to stand by autistic people and to condemn this misinformation. To do otherwise risks creating further fear, stigmatisation and harm.
"We urge anyone looking for information about autism to visit websites from trusted organisations such as the NHS and the National Autistic Society."
Meanwhile, Tylenol maker Kenvue told the BBC that they 'strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers'.
Topics: Donald Trump, Health, Drugs, US News
James Moorhouse