Reviewing Acetaminophen's Contribution to Autism/ADHD

The CDC reported that 1 in 36 children were identified with autism in 2020, a 22% increase from 2018 and a 98% increase from 2010. Simultaneously, ADHD diagnoses increased 36% from 2003 to 2016-2019. Despite this surge, their etiologies remain largely unknown. However, numerous studies note a higher incidence of mitochondrial abnormalities in affected individuals. Additionally, acetaminophen has been implicated in these disorders in longitudinal studies and murine models. This paper is a compilation of literature aiming to explain a possible pathway for acetaminophen-induced mitochondrial damage in utero. It focuses on a toxic metabolite of acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, and its role in neuroinflammation. Based on our findings, we recommend that the FDA advise limiting the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.