A recent study funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has debunked the long-standing belief that acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children.
Published in the prestigious journal JAMA, the study examined data from over 2 million children in Sweden, specifically looking at the influence of acetaminophen on neurodevelopmental disorders. By comparing siblings to eliminate other potential risk factors, researchers found no direct link between acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy and the development of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.
Although there was initially a slight increase in risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in children exposed to acetaminophen when not considering siblings, the study ultimately concluded that there was no causal relationship between the two.
Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever and fever reducer used by many pregnant women. The study highlighted that the reasons for taking the medication could be associated with an increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, further research is needed to fully understand the genetic and non-genetic factors that contribute to the risk of these disorders.
Led by Vicky Whittemore, Ph.D., program director at NINDS, the study underscores the importance of ongoing research to better comprehend the complexities of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability. NINDS, as the leading funder of research on the brain and nervous system, is dedicated to seeking fundamental knowledge and reducing the burden of neurological diseases.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the primary federal agency conducting and supporting medical research, aims to investigate the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. The study published in JAMA on April 9, 2024, contributes valuable insights to the field of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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