Recently, several celebrities and political figures have been touting a blue dye as a “limitless pill”. It is said to have numerous health benefits, yet doctors have warned about the potential associated side effects. Everyone from Joe Rogan to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently either spoken about it or has been associated with its use. One video of RFK Jr. even recently went viral of him putting something blue into a glass of water while aboard a flight. Known as methylene blue, this synthetic dye is both lauded and a source of controversy. Let’s take a deeper look below and find out more about the associated benefits and risks.
Where Did Methylene Blue Come From?
Methylene blue was originally synthesized in 1876 and was first used as a dye in the textile industry. Soon afterwards, its medical properties were discovered, and it was among the first synthetic drugs adopted by the pharmaceutical industry. Methylene blue was used to treat malaria in the early 20th century, before more effective drugs were produced. In our modern era, the FDA approved it for the treatment of a rare blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. In their tests, researchers also noticed that it has a unique ability to interact with mitochondria. This has led to a resurgence of interest among those who work in the fields of aging and neuroscience.
Potential Cognitive Benefits
One of the most popular health claims is that methylene blue has positive effects on brain function. Some studies have suggested it could help improve cognitive performance due to its ability to enhance mitochondrial function. One study published in the Neurobiology of Aging journal revealed that cerebral blood flow and memory retention could be improved using low doses of the blue dye. Biohacker influencers such as Dave Asprey, Gary Brecka, and Andrew Huberman have all spoken about its potential use in addressing oxidative stress and the efficiency of the mitochondria. Ass Andrew Huberman put it, “The mitochondria in neurons seem to respond particularly well to methylene blue, which may help explain the cognitive effects.” However, the majority of these preliminary studies were small-scale and require far more examination before the dye’s use can be deemed safe.
The Anti-Aging Movement Loves Methylene Blue
This blue synthetic dye has also proven to be popular among the anti-aging community. Lab studies have indicated that it could improve the functioning of skin cells and increase the production of collagen. One study published in Scientific Reports showed that skin cells treated with the dye aged more slowly compared to untreated control cells. This had led to several skincare companies adding the dye to their products. Even the famous biohacker who is trying to make himself younger, Bryan Johnson, has included methylene blue in his intense anti-aging protocol. However, far more studies are needed to validate these claims.
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Methylene Blue Enters the Public Sphere
The blue dye recently gained public attention when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was apparently seen mixing a blue liquid into a glass of water during a flight. This has led to speculation that he has added methylene blue to his daily health regimen. However, since then, many influencers and celebrities have apparently tried it, such as Selena Gomez, Millie Bobby Brown, and the king of the “brosphere”, Joe Rogan himself. You can now find many posts on social media of influencers putting the dye into water and stating that it has all sorts of wonderful benefits. However, they typically tend to avoid discussing any potential side effects associated with its use.
The Risks Associated with Methylene Blue
While it may offer potential health benefits at low doses, using methylene blue is not risk-free. In fact, when used in higher doses or combined with other drugs, it can be quite dangerous to consume. Among the most serious concerns is a potentially fatal condition called serotonin syndrome. This syndrome can arise when the dye is combined with certain migraine medications, antidepressants, or other medications that affect your levels of serotonin. Additionally, individuals diagnosed with G6PD deficiency should also steer clear of the dye. This is because it can trigger the breakdown of red blood cells, known as hemolytic anemia. Methylene blue also has monoamine oxidase inhibitor properties, making it unsuitable for self-experimentation.
The Bottom Line
So far, methylene blue has shown potential to enhance cognitive function and slow aging in early small-scale studies. However, far more research is still required to fully understand the associated risks of consuming the blue dye. While influencers continue to tout their potential benefits, the public should remain cautious of misuse or overusing. Since there is still insufficient data on its long-term use, the public should steer clear of self-experimentation. While it may yet prove to be a valuable compound in the future, it is not the miracle drug some claim it to be.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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