Trump and RFK Jr touted leucovorin as a treatment for autism. The FDA quietly walked it back
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
FDA reversed autism treatment claim for leucovorin after Trump and RFK Jr. promoted it without sufficient evidence.
How This Affects You
Parents may waste money on an unproven autism treatment or delay seeking evidence-based care based on the high-profile endorsement.
AI Summary
Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promoted leucovorin, a vitamin B derivative, as an autism treatment at a September press conference, despite limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Prescriptions for the drug among children ages 5-17 surged 71% in the weeks following the announcement, as parents sought the medication based on the high-profile endorsement. The FDA subsequently approved leucovorin only for folate deficiency, effectively walking back the autism claim. Neurodevelopmental doctors warned that the promotion could mislead parents into pursuing unproven treatments, with some patients scheduling visits specifically to discuss the medication. The episode illustrates the potential public health consequences when prominent figures promote medical claims that outpace clinical evidence.
What's Being Done
The FDA approved leucovorin only for folate deficiency, effectively walking back the autism treatment claim.
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