Need some brain power? This blue liquid is the new trend in cognitive enhancement mood boost

People are always looking for ways to improve their mental and physical health, not just to live a better life but also a longer one. There is a not-so-new substance that checks several boxes for these people which has been gaining traction across social media in recent years, methylene blue.

Its advocates claim that this vivid blue compound has a range of health benefits from boosting energy and brain power to slowing aging, even fighting Alzheimer’s. However, the substance that began as a textile dye doesn’t come without risks, the least of which is imparting its blue color on more than just the users tongue.

Textile dye turned viral biohacking health supplement

Methylene blue is an organic compound that was first synthesized nearly 150 years ago, originally created as a cotton dye. However, it was later discovered to have medicinal uses like treating malaria. It was first used to turn that parasite blue under a microscope where it was found to kill it too.

However, currently it is only approved by the FDA for a single disorder, methemoglobinemia. This is a rare blood disorder that decreases the ability of hemoglobin in red blood cells to carry and deliver oxygen.

There are several off-label medical conditions that methylene blue is used as a treatment in clinical settings. However, for other uses that are being touted on social media platforms, health experts caution users about the risks it may present as a daily supplement.

Health risks from taking methylene blue as a daily supplement

This is because there aren’t adequate clinical trials for the supposed benefits it provides and there is no medical oversight. As well, it presents a real and deadly danger for people that may want to use it as a mood booster who are already taking certain serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat depression.

Leslie Goldman warned in Harvard Health that “if a person is already taking certain antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or duloxetine (Cymbalta), and adds methylene blue to their routine, it can result in a dangerous and sometimes fatal interaction.”

Furthermore, those who are acquiring methylene blue through the internet, including on sites like Amazon, may not be getting what they think they are. There are many products, including fish tank cleaners, that use the name methylene blue, and not to mention the product quality of unregulated supplements should be a concern.

Finally, Bronwyn Holmes, a specialist in regenerative and longevity medicine shared with National Geographic some of the more harmless side effects that are perhaps of lesser concern but still a real risk. Keep in mind that the compound is a powerful blue dye and not only will it turn your tongue blue, but it could stain your teeth blue and even change the color of your stools and urine to blue or green.

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