A new literature review by William Parker, Ph.D., reveals troubling associations between acetaminophen at typical pediatric doses and serious, likely permanent impairments in cognition and socialization in susceptible children.

Acetaminophen, the ingredient found in hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medicines — including Tylenol products — is routinely recommended for fever reduction and the relief of mild to moderate pain.

The link between acetaminophen and liver toxicity was established some time ago. But the drug's effect on the developing nervous system in children — though suspected — was never formally investigated through a clinical study, according to William Parker, Ph.D., CEO of the nonprofit research firm WPLab.

Now, Parker's new deep literature review has uncovered troubling associations between acetaminophen at typical pediatric doses and serious, likely permanent impairments in cognition and socialization in susceptible children.

The study, published last month in Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics, focused specifically on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In an interview with The Defender, Parker said one reason safety signals went unnoticed for years is that investigators were not looking at the right studies. "Most research to date has focused on acetaminophen use during pregnancy," he said.