by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
President Donald Trump just lately set off a nationwide debate after claiming that Tylenol causes autism in youngsters if taken throughout being pregnant.
Standing subsequent to Well being Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump stated pregnant ladies ought to keep away from the frequent over-the-counter medicine, suggesting it’d hurt their unborn kids.
This assertion didn’t simply seize headlines, it triggered a wave of responses on-line, together with a wierd new pattern that’s going to backfire and trigger a ton of points.
Pregnant ladies are actually happening social media, brazenly taking Tylenol in defiance, hoping to show Trump unsuitable. Whereas it could make for viral content material, the scenario has medical specialists and well being organizations deeply involved.
The truth is, one lady overdosed and is now within the hospital with liver failure, and so they declare she’s most likely not going to make it (and sadly, they aren’t positive what harm is being performed to the newborn).
On this article, we’re going to dive deeper into the talks about whether or not Tylenol causes autism and the craziness that is occurring within the US since Trump made the announcement.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and shouldn’t be used to deal with or diagnose any situation. It is strongly recommended that you simply converse along with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, making modifications to your diet plan, or including any new dietary supplements into your present routine.
Social Media Riot After Saying Tylenol Causes Autism
Shortly after Trump’s remarks, movies started popping up throughout TikTok, Instagram, and different platforms of pregnant ladies swallowing Tylenol on digital camera. Some framed it as an announcement of belief in medical doctors and science. Others positioned it as a method to push again in opposition to what they view as harmful misinformation coming from a political determine.
However right here’s the issue… taking medicine whereas pregnant ought to by no means be about making some extent on-line. Medical doctors warn that these movies can encourage dangerous habits. The “defiance” motion isn’t rooted in medical want, however in making an announcement. That mindset may put each moms and their infants in danger.
The truth that ladies are getting triggered by Trump’s remarks and mega-dosing on Tylenol is kind of disturbing when you concentrate on it. Not too way back, we had youngsters consuming Tide Pods, and now pregnant ladies are downing Tylenol?
Had Trump not stated something, and also you instructed a lady to down a bottle of Tylenol, she’d name the police on you. Now, they’re willingly overdosing on it to make some extent? Make it make sense.
What Does the Science Say About Tylenol and Autism?
The reality is extra difficult than a soundbite. Proper now, there isn’t a scientific consensus that Tylenol causes autism.
And let’s be actual, how would they go about doing this? Give a bunch of pregnant ladies Tylenol and see if Tylenol causes autism of their infants? Who’s signing up for that?!
That stated, some research have steered attainable associations between long-term or high-dose use of acetaminophen throughout being pregnant and developmental points. However these research are observational and restricted. They’ll’t show causation.
The Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) has responded to the headlines by reviewing analysis and starting the method of updating acetaminophen labels. Nevertheless, the FDA is evident of their positioning that Tylenol nonetheless stays an possibility for pregnant ladies when used as directed.
The World Well being Group (WHO) additionally weighed in, rejecting claims of a constant hyperlink. They’ve identified flaws within the research that steered danger and proceed to encourage pregnant ladies to observe the steering of their healthcare suppliers.
Even Medical doctors Are Pushing Again
Medical specialists throughout the nation have been fast to push again on Trump’s declare. Obstetricians and maternal-fetal specialists known as the remarks “extremely regarding” and doubtlessly dangerous.
Right here’s why: untreated fever and extreme ache throughout being pregnant may be harmful. If ladies are scared away from utilizing acetaminophen when medically vital, each mom and child may face extra critical well being issues than the medicine itself would possibly trigger.
Medical doctors stress that the choice to make use of Tylenol whereas pregnant ought to at all times be based mostly on medical recommendation, not politics or social media challenges.
Tylenol Causes Autism? A Harmful Narrative
The phrase “Tylenol causes autism” has now turn out to be a viral speaking level. However repeating it with out context is strictly what worries well being professionals. Oversimplified messages can simply overshadow the nuances of medical analysis.
Sure, researchers are nonetheless finding out acetaminophen and its attainable results. However leaping to conclusions (or worse, turning it right into a political speaking level) spreads confusion and fuels distrust.
And when that distrust results in performative stunts like overdosing on Tylenol for social media clout, the narrative turns into much more harmful.
The Actual Danger of Overdosing
Right here’s one other main concern: Tylenol overdose is a really actual and critical hazard. Acetaminophen toxicity could cause extreme liver harm and even demise. The truth is, acetaminophen overdose is among the main causes of acute liver failure in the USA.
So, whereas some pregnant ladies assume they’re making a political assertion or proving some extent, they might truly be placing their very own well being (and their child’s well being) in jeopardy.
This isn’t about “successful” an argument with Trump and “proving him unsuitable.” It’s about making protected, knowledgeable choices throughout being pregnant for you and your child.
The place We Go from Right here?
The dust-up over whether or not Tylenol causes autism reveals simply how simply well being debates can spiral uncontrolled within the age of social media. A single declare from a political determine can snowball right into a viral motion that influences habits in methods specialists warn in opposition to.
For pregnant ladies, the takeaway is straightforward: speak to your physician earlier than making any choices about medicine. Don’t let politics, social media traits, or viral movies dictate your well being selections.
Don’t Be Dumb… Cease This Pattern
Trump’s feedback about Tylenol and autism lit a hearth that’s nonetheless burning throughout the web. However science hasn’t confirmed that Tylenol causes autism. What’s clear is that overdosing or utilizing medicine for the sake of on-line views is unsafe and doubtlessly dangerous.
Being pregnant is already stuffed with challenges and choices. Including politics and viral defiance traits into the combo solely makes it tougher.
On the finish of the day, the neatest transfer is to tune out the noise and observe the steering of medical professionals who know what’s finest for each mother and child.