79. Tylenol, Leucovorin, Glutathione, & Autism
Description
In this episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn kicks off Season 3 with one of the most important conversations yet. In light of recent events, social media has been buzzing with claims that “Tylenol causes autism”, but have we missed the point?
Listen in to hear:
- A refreshing perspective on controversial news from a dietitian, mother, and autism sibling.
- Why Tylenol is not the full story and what research actually says.
- The critical role of glutathione (our body’s master antioxidant) and how it relates to autism and Tylenol use.
- What we know about Leucovorin (folinic acid), folate, and lab testing like the FRAT test.
- Practical ways you can support your child's nutrient status without blame, shame, or guilt.
This episode is about zooming out and looking at the big picture. No matter if the headlines left you confused and overwhelmed, or reassured and hopeful, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling anchored in clarity, compassion, and encouragement.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
- Join the Nourishing Autism Collective community for hands-on support with expanding your child’s diet while honoring their sensory needs 👉 CLICK HERE to learn more!
- Past Sulforaphane Podcast Episode: CLICK HERE to listen!
- Research Studies Mentioned:
[1] Prada, D., Ritz, B., Bauer, A.Z. et al. Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology. Environ Health 24, 56 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-025-01208-0
[2] Ji Y, Azuine RE, Zhang Y, Hou W, Hong X, Wang G, et al. Association of Cord Plasma Biomarkers of In Utero Acetaminophen Exposure With Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Childhood. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020;77(2):180-189. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3259. PMID: 31664451; PMCID: PMC6822099.
[3] Bobrowski-Khoury N, Ramaekers VT, Sequeira JM, Quadros EV. Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention. J Pers Med. 2021 Jul 24;11(8):710. doi: 10.3390/jpm11080710. PMID: 34442354; PMCID: PMC8398778.
[4] Frye RE, Slattery J, Delhey L, Furgerson B, Strickland T, Tippett M, Sailey A, Wynne R, Rose S, Melnyk S, Jill James S, Sequeira JM, Quadros EV. Folinic acid improves verbal communication in children with autism and language impairment: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Mol Psychiatry. 2018 Feb;23(2):247-256. doi: 10.1038/mp.2016.168. Epub 2016 Oct 18. PMID: 27752075; PMCID: PMC5794882.
[5] Source: Spillers NJ, Talbot NC, Luther PM, Ly GH, Roberts CJ, Ahmadzadeh S, Shekoohi S, Viswanath O, Kaye AD. Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure and its Associated Risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Health Psychol Res. 2024 Nov 12;12:12 5267. doi: 10.52965/001c.125267.