A vibrantly-hued dye often called methylene blue has an extended historical past of medical makes use of. And not too long ago, it’s getting rave critiques on social media for its reported anti-aging results and skill to spice up vitality, reminiscence and psychological readability. Some even suspect RFK Jr., the US Secretary of Well being and Human Companies, was seen placing methylene blue in a glass of water in a video from earlier this 12 months. However does the blue dye dwell as much as the thrill? Some medical doctors assist methylene blue’s use, however others aren’t bought on its well being advantages. Right here’s what to know earlier than deciding whether or not methylene blue is best for you.
What’s 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 Heart for New Medication. “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.”
Within the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, methylene blue was additionally used as a therapy for malaria and psychosis. And in 2016, an injectable kind was authorized by the FDA to deal with methemoglobinemia, a uncommon blood dysfunction.
How methylene blue works
A lot of the current buzz in regards to the potential of methylene blue has to do with its impression on mitochondria, tiny constructions that function energy vegetation 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 useful for correcting the mitochondrial dysfunction that’s a characteristic of well being circumstances akin to most cancers, Parkinson’s illness, Alzheimer’s illness and fatigue, she says. Certainly, an animal research within the journal Mind Pathology discovered that methylene blue corrected cognitive deficits in mice. Plus, researchers reporting within the journal Cureus discovered that methylene blue was a promising therapy for neurological issues.
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What girls report when taking methylene blue
Methylene blue is accessible as IV infusions and oral dietary supplements. And in keeping with Asad Niazi, MD, MPH, Medical Advisor on the telemedicine clinic Shed, “There is no convincing evidence that an infusion outperforms a capsule for wellness.” In his expertise, sufferers who take 25 to 50 mg of capsule-form methylene blue every day report clearer considering, steadier daytime vitality and higher sleep after a couple of weeks on a constant dose.
Dr. Connealy notes comparable results from the liquid doses she makes use of (round 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 medical doctors are divided about methylene blue
“I do recommend it in certain cases,” confirms Dr. Conneally, who provides, “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 makes use of low doses for sufferers who’ve severe fatigue and mitochondrial dysfunction.
However James Lyon, MD, a doctor at Synergy Homes, is much more cautious. “Methylene blue has been used for a variety of medical practices, but studies examining everyday use are inconclusive,” he notes. And although he acknowledges that some research assist the blue dye’s talents to spice up mitochondria, enhance reminiscence and defend towards Alzheimer’s-like injury, he factors out a number of 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 uncomfortable side effects of methylene blue
In line with Dr. Niazi, uncomfortable side effects of methylene blue on the doses he makes use of 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 in the event that they open and can flip urine blue. And as he notes, “Blue urine is to be expected.”
However past 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 actual fact, the FDA issued a warning in 2011 that combining methylene blue with psychiatric medicines can set off serotonin syndrome, a situation the causes psychological confusion, muscle twitching, heavy sweating and lack of coordination.
He additionally cautions that ladies who’re pregnant or breastfeeding keep away from methylene blue, as ought to anybody with G6PD deficiency, a genetic dysfunction that impacts pink blood cells. As well as, “Significant kidney disease calls for medical supervision, since the drug clears through the kidneys,” he explains.
Lastly, Dr. Connealy emphasizes that selecting a high quality product is essential. “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.”
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Pure alternate options to methylene blue
For the explanations above, it’s finest to work with a doctor for those who select to take methylene blue. However for those who favor different choices, there are pure methods to spice up your mitochondria. And in keeping with Dr. Lyons, they’re even higher: “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 extra expert-backed methods to enhance mitochondria right here.
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This content material shouldn’t be an alternative to skilled medical recommendation or prognosis. At all times seek the advice of your doctor earlier than pursuing any therapy plan.
