The Ministry of Health has warned that a claim by Donald Trump that Tylenol is linked to autism goes against health guidance and so further research was needed.

The US president this week made international headlines after advising that pregnant women avoid the use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient known as paracetamol in the over-the-counter pain and fever drug, as it may be linked to  autism — despite limited evidence to suggest so.

He also said that some vaccines were known to cause the disorder.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, Mr Trump alleged that Tylenol “is no good” and that pregnant women should “fight like hell” to take it only when experiencing extreme fever.

Numerous medical authorities have disputed the claim saying scientific data continues to show there is no proven link.

The World Health Organisation emphasised that at present, there is “no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy”.

It added: “Extensive research has shown that vaccines do not cause autism.”

Some medical experts have said the president’s comments could pose a danger to those in need of the medication while the drug company itself has said his claims were not based on credible science.

A health ministry spokeswoman told The Royal Gazette: “The Ministry of Health is reviewing the claims reported in the media.

“This is a new claim that goes against current health guidance so further research is needed.

“It's also worth noting that some global health authorities have shared feedback that appears to contradict these claims.”

Solstice, a local holistic wellness centre, provides psychological evaluation and testing, including for autism.

Kelly Madeiros, the Solstice cofounder and managing director, said that as World Mental Health Day 2025 approached on October 10, it was timely to reflect on how public health messages affected not only medical decisions but also collective wellbeing.

She said: “False claims can create unnecessary worry, particularly for expectant mothers, and can deepen stigma for families raising children with neurodiversity.

“This underlines the importance of sharing information that is accurate, balanced and evidence-based.

“We hope conversations about autism or any health condition are always grounded in kindness, respect and accurate information.

“We stand for dialogue that is guided by science, protects public trust and promotes both physical and mental wellbeing. We encourage individuals to consult their healthcare providers before making medical decisions and to rely on trusted guidance.”

Jahnae Harvey, the executive director of Tomorrow’s Voices, an autism charity in Bermuda, said there was not enough evidence to back up the claim by Mr Trump but that it would be monitoring developments.

Dr Harvey said: “The research in this area is limited and inconclusive.

“Given the lack of clear scientific consensus, this is not a topic that we are able to elaborate on at this time.

“We are very much research and evidence based and we do not see enough evidence.

“It is something we will continue to monitor because it impacts our clients and their families. We will be evaluating and cross referencing research and data on the topic.”

Anthony Peets, the father of Ahmani Peets, a young man and entrepreneur who is on the autism spectrum, said: “As a parent advocate and one who is up close to the reality, the claims by Donald Trump should not be taken seriously.

“I have very close friends in the medical and research fields who are shaking their heads at this.”

Tylenol, owned by American consumer health company Kenvue Inc, has defended the product.

It said: “Credible, independent scientific data continues to show no proven link between taking acetaminophen and autism.”

In a statement on its website, the company listed medical authorities in the US that agree with its position.

Those cited are the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Foetal Medicine, the Autism Science Foundation and the American Academy of Paediatrics.

Tylenol advised its customers: “Talk to your healthcare professional before taking or administering acetaminophen. As our label says, ‘If pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your healthcare professional before use.’

“Your health provider is best positioned to advise whether taking this medication is appropriate based on your unique medical condition.

“If you are treating your little one with acetaminophen, please know that there is no credible science that shows taking acetaminophen causes autism.

“When searching what medicine may be suitable for infants and children, the best thing you can do is to speak with your healthcare provider, they will guide you on what is best for your child’s pain and fever.”

Reuters reported that Kenvue’s shares rose 6 per cent on Tuesday, after hitting a record low in the previous session as analysts spoke to the “lack of new scientific evidence”.

On Monday, the US Food and Drug Administration said it had begun the process for a label change for Tylenol and similar products to reflect a “considerable body of evidence” suggesting the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women may “be associated with an increased risk of neurological conditions such as autism and ADHD in children”.

The FDA cited two studies — the Nurses’ Health Study II and the Boston Birth Cohort, that found this association. The former said: “The lack of an association between acetaminophen use in the pre and postpregnancy exposure periods and ADHD provides assurance that uncontrolled time-invariant factors do not explain this association.”

The latter said: “Our findings support previous studies regarding the association between prenatal and perinatal acetaminophen exposure and childhood neurodevelopmental risk and warrant additional investigations.”

In a letter to physicians, the FDA said: “The choice still belongs with parents. The precautionary principle may lead many to avoid using acetaminophen during pregnancy, especially since most low-grade fevers don’t require treatment.

“It remains reasonable, however, for pregnant women to use acetaminophen in certain scenarios.”