An eagerly awaited report from HHS that was ordered by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will posit that the use of the pain killer Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy is linked to the development of autism in children
The document will also suggest that a lack of folate, also known as vitamin B9, can also contribute to autism.
The report will also argue that taking folinic acid, also known as leucovorin, can treat autism symptoms, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.
Whether or not the report will delve into the role of vaccines in autism is uncertain. While the idea that vaccines can cause autism has been widely debunked, many vaccine skeptics still support the argument.
The report’s drafting is being spearheaded by the NIH. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, and CMS Director Mehmet Oz are said to have had a hand in the report.
Sources told the newspaper that while the report is based on existing research, it will also cover other possible autism causes and offer additional areas for further study.
Tylenol is the brand name of acetaminophen sold by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE). A Kenvue spokesman told the Journal, “We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.”
Kenvue is down ~13% in Friday afternoon trading.
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