Family Wellness

Paracetamol: A Hidden Link to Neurological Disorders in Children

Paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in the USA, is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. In the USA, it is commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol, while in the UK, it is marketed as Calpol. It is frequently administered to infants and children and is widely available, as recommended by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. As a result, nearly every household has it in their medicine cabinet.

However, emerging evidence suggests that the use of paracetamol early in life may lead to long-term neurological issues.

Paracetamol and Toxicity

While paracetamol can cause liver damage in adults, studies indicate that its use during early childhood may carry a higher risk of toxic effects on the brain. Additionally, traces of paracetamol have been found in urine samples from individuals living in developed countries, highlighting its widespread use and environmental prevalence.

Paracetamol and Neurological Development

Although short-term studies have confirmed paracetamol’s safety concerning liver health, there is a lack of research regarding its effects on the developing nervous system. A 2022 article pointed out that there is no substantial evidence demonstrating the safety of paracetamol for children’s neurological development.

The Impact of Paracetamol on Behavior

Animal studies have indicated that administering paracetamol during pregnancy can affect the behavior of offspring. For example, reduced locomotor activity and diminished pain-relieving effects in adulthood have been observed. These findings suggest that prenatal exposure to paracetamol may have long-term consequences.

One study found a possible link between the use of paracetamol after the MMR vaccine and an increased risk of autism in children under five years old. This research involved 83 children diagnosed with autism and 80 children in a control group. Remarkably, the use of ibuprofen after vaccination did not show the same association, indicating that paracetamol may negatively impact neurological development, especially when given shortly after vaccination. Furthermore, an analysis of data from 1,515 parents in the USA found an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in boys who received paracetamol before the age of two, while the same effect was not observed in girls.

Is Ibuprofen Safer?

Although paracetamol may pose risks for neurological development, ibuprofen, which might seem like a safer alternative, also has its own risks. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen can cause ulcers, bleeding, and issues related to the stomach and intestinal lining.

Conclusion

Paracetamol is a commonly used pain reliever and fever reducer. However, it may be wise to consider alternative methods for managing pain and fever in children, given the potential risks to their health. While paracetamol is generally regarded as safe, increasing evidence points to possible neurological and behavioral problems in infants and young children.

If you are pregnant and interested in the impact of this drug on a developing fetus, click here. I also encourage you to follow my blog to learn more about this important topic. Share your experiences and opinions in the comments, and don’t forget to join me on Facebook!

Rebecca Fett “Brain Health From Birth”

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) use in infants and children was never shown to be safe for neurodevelopment: a systematic review with citation tracking – PubMed (nih.gov)

The Dangers of Acetaminophen for Neurodevelopment Outweigh Scant Evidence for Long-Term Benefits – PubMed (nih.gov)

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and the Developing Brain – PubMed (nih.gov)

Postnatal Acetaminophen and Potential Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Males – PMC (nih.gov)

The pathophysiology of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced mucosal injuries in stomach and small intestine – PMC (nih.gov)

Paracetamol use during pregnancy – a call for precautionary action – PubMed (nih.gov)

Dr Paul Thomas “The Vaccine Friendly Plan”. Dr Paul’s safe and effective approach to immunity and health – from pregnancy through your child’s teen years.

Welcome to my blog! My name is Emilia. I live in Watford, UK, with my husband Simon and our two sons. My journey into motherhood began in my late thirties, and my first pregnancy was high-risk. This experience led me to explore the topic in depth and seek reliable knowledge about health during pregnancy. On a daily basis, I am passionate about healthy cooking, analyzing scientific research, and creating natural cosmetics. I have completed Organic Skincare Formulation at the leading school Formula Botanica, and I am currently studying health coaching at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) in London.

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