A Dye Called Methylene Blue Promises Big Health Benefits—Here’s What Experts Say
RFK Jr. was even purportedly seen adding the bright liquid dye to his water
A vibrantly-hued dye known as methylene blue has a long history of medical uses. And recently, it’s getting rave reviews on social media for its reported anti-aging effects and ability to boost energy, memory and mental clarity. Some even suspect RFK Jr., the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, was seen putting methylene blue in a glass of water in a video from earlier this year. But does the blue dye live up to the buzz? Some doctors support methylene blue’s use, but others aren’t sold on its health benefits. Here’s what to know before deciding whether methylene blue is right for you.
What is methylene blue?
“Methylene blue is a synthetic fabric dye; it was first created in the 1800s for the textile industry,” notes Leigh Erin Connealy, MD, medical director of the Center for New Medicine. “At the time, microscopy was becoming popular and scientists realized that it could be used to stain biological tissues and make them more visible. Methylene blue was especially helpful because it could stain certain tissues like brain cells and blood.”
Woman's World Answers
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, methylene blue was also used as a treatment for malaria and psychosis. And in 2016, an injectable form was approved by the FDA to treat methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder.
How methylene blue works
Most of the recent buzz about the potential of methylene blue has to do with its impact on mitochondria, tiny structures that serve as power plants inside cells. “Methylene blue can enhance mitochondrial function,” Dr. Connealy explains. “It acts as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain, helping cells make ATP (energy) even under stress.”
This makes it helpful for correcting the mitochondrial dysfunction that’s a feature of health conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and fatigue, she says. Indeed, an animal study in the journal Brain Pathology found that methylene blue corrected cognitive deficits in mice. Plus, researchers reporting in the journal Cureus found that methylene blue was a promising treatment for neurological disorders.
What women report when taking methylene blue
Methylene blue is available as IV infusions and oral supplements. And according to Asad Niazi, MD, MPH, Medical Advisor at the telemedicine clinic Shed, “There is no convincing evidence that an infusion outperforms a capsule for wellness.” In his experience, patients who take 25 to 50 mg of capsule-form methylene blue daily report clearer thinking, steadier daytime energy and better sleep after a few weeks on a consistent dose.
Dr. Connealy notes similar effects from the liquid doses she uses (around 0.5 to 2 mg/kg). “Some women report feeling a difference in energy, mental sharpness or mood within the first few days, especially if they are under high oxidative stress or mitochondrial dysfunction, “she says. “But for some patients, the benefits can be more gradual and subtle, building over several weeks with consistent use.”
Why doctors are divided about methylene blue
“I do recommend it in certain cases,” confirms Dr. Conneally, who adds, “I don’t think that it’s always useful for everyone. At high doses, it can increase serotonin, which can stress cells, so it’s important not to overdo it.” That’s why she uses low doses for patients who have serious fatigue and mitochondrial dysfunction.
But James Lyon, MD, a physician at Synergy Houses, is even more cautious. “Methylene blue has been used for a variety of medical practices, but studies examining everyday use are inconclusive,” he notes. And though he acknowledges that some studies support the blue dye’s abilities to boost mitochondria, improve memory and defend against Alzheimer’s-like damage, he points out several drawbacks.
“First, most of these experiments were performed in animals or only small groups of people, limiting our knowledge of methylene blue,” he says. “Secondly, scientists don’t know the effects of daily use over a long-term period or the safest dose for everyday use. Finally, some people in these studies had negative side effects, especially at high doses.”
Potential side effects of methylene blue
According to Dr. Niazi, side effects of methylene blue at the doses he uses are minimal. “Usual nuisances are mild and include headache or nausea, especially if taken late in the day,” he says. Plus, liquid methylene blue will stain the tongue, as will capsules if they open and will turn urine blue. And as he notes, “Blue urine is to be expected.”
But beyond that, “Safety deserves a clear headline,” he stresses. “Methylene blue should not be combined with most antidepressants or other serotonergic medicines, including SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, linezolid, tramadol, dextromethorphan or methadone, because that mix can push serotonin too high” In fact, the FDA issued a warning in 2011 that combining methylene blue with psychiatric medications can trigger serotonin syndrome, a condition the causes mental confusion, muscle twitching, heavy sweating and loss of coordination.
He also cautions that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid methylene blue, as should anyone with G6PD deficiency, a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells. In addition, “Significant kidney disease calls for medical supervision, since the drug clears through the kidneys,” he explains.
Finally, Dr. Connealy emphasizes that choosing a quality product is key. “Purity is important because industrial-grade products may contain harmful contaminants like heavy metals,” she says. “I always look for USP-grade or pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue, which is tested for human use.”
Natural alternatives to methylene blue
For the reasons above, it’s best to work with a physician if you choose to take methylene blue. But if you prefer other options, there are natural ways to boost your mitochondria. And according to Dr. Lyons, they’re even better: “The reality is, the best way to enhance mitochondrial function, and thus physical and mental energy, is to eat a healthy well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress and get enough sleep each night.” Get more expert-backed strategies to improve mitochondria here.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
