Prominent Cuban scientist Eduardo López-Collazo has emphasized that there is no confirmed causal connection between the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), despite some studies investigating potential links. "The evidence remains inconclusive," he stated in a recent social media post.
López-Collazo, who serves as the scientific director at the La Paz University Hospital's Health Research Institute (IdiPAZ) in Madrid, pointed out that autism was first clinically described in 1943, while acetaminophen became commercially available in 1955, indicating no direct temporal correlation between the two.
His remarks come in the wake of the White House's announcement of the "Autism Action Plan," a new national strategy spearheaded by former President Donald J. Trump. This initiative includes an official FDA warning regarding acetaminophen use during pregnancy and promotes leucovorin as a potential treatment for certain autism symptoms.
According to the official document, the FDA plans to issue advisories to physicians and update the medication's safety label based on research suggesting a possible link between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurological development issues. However, López-Collazo reiterated that science has yet to establish a direct connection. "Although some studies explore potential links, the evidence remains inconclusive," he reiterated.
Controversy Over Trump's Comments on Autism in Cuba
The announcement coincides with new controversial remarks from Trump, who speculated that autism rates are lower in Cuba because they allegedly cannot purchase Tylenol. "There's a rumor, and I don't know whether it's true or not, that in Cuba they don't have Tylenol because they don't have the money to buy it, and they practically have no autism," the former president asserted.
His statement has faced widespread criticism from experts and media, who highlight that Cuba lacks updated epidemiological data on autism and that medication shortages are a persistent issue on the island. Specialists caution against interpreting a lack of diagnoses as an absence of the disorder. The scarcity of diagnostic tools, limited national scientific dissemination, and structural health crises hinder the detection and monitoring of cases.
Who is Eduardo López-Collazo?
Born in Jovellanos, Matanzas, Eduardo López-Collazo is one of the most esteemed Cuban scientists in Spain. He graduated in Nuclear Physics from the University of Havana and earned his doctorate in Pharmacy from the Complutense University of Madrid, where he has resided since the 1990s. Currently, he is the only foreigner heading a research center in Spain.
López-Collazo has been featured in lists such as the 100 most creative Spanish individuals in business (Forbes) and among the most influential LGBTIQ+ figures in Spain, according to El Mundo and El Español. In 2022, he was inducted into the Latin American Academy of Sciences (ACAL) for his contributions to studying diseases like cancer, COVID-19, and neuroimmunological disorders.
Beyond his scientific work, López-Collazo is an active science communicator and staunch advocate for critical thinking and scientific evidence. His commentary on this topic is part of a series of posts under the hashtag #CienciaYdatos, through which he combats misinformation on social media.
FAQs About Autism Research and Acetaminophen
Is there a proven link between acetaminophen use and autism?
No, there is currently no proven causal link between acetaminophen use and autism. The evidence remains inconclusive, and more research is needed to establish any potential connection.
What is the Autism Action Plan announced by the White House?
The Autism Action Plan is a national strategy introduced by the White House that includes measures such as an FDA warning about acetaminophen use during pregnancy and the promotion of leucovorin as a potential treatment for certain autism symptoms.
Why is there controversy over Trump's comments on autism in Cuba?
Trump's comments suggesting lower autism rates in Cuba due to the lack of Tylenol availability have been criticized for lacking scientific basis and for not considering the scarcity of diagnostic resources and updated epidemiological data in Cuba.