Methylene blue is widespread on TikTok. What’s behind the claims? : NPR

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Getty Photographs/Illustration Andrea D'Aquino for NPR Wellness fanatics searching for to hack their method to well being and longevity have a brand new favourite treatment — one which stains their tongues blue.

Methylene blue has been round for the reason that 1870s when it was used as a textile dye. Since then it has been prescribed as an antimalarial remedy and an antidote for cyanide poisoning. In the present day it is medicine authorised by the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration as remedy for methemoglobinemia, a uncommon blood dysfunction.

However on-line influencers are selling it for what they declare are its wellness properties. It is taking off amongst biohackers, who search to optimize their well being through way of life adjustments.

Commentators speculated that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes methylene blue after a video of the nation's prime well being official circulated early this yr. He will be seen utilizing an eyedropper to combine a cobalt blue liquid right into a cup of water. Kennedy by no means confirmed what he was taking, although the colourful shade and applicator resembles the methylene blue merchandise which can be bought by on-line retailers. And Kennedy's recognized for taking dietary supplements, and has a monitor file of embracing debunked or unproven scientific claims.

The Declare:

Methylene blue improves the operate of mitochondria — elements of our cells which convert vitamins into vitality — and that ends in a number of advantages, similar to slowed getting older, higher temper and sharper cognition. Some even declare it alleviates jetlag.

The Proof:

Lab research and animal trials have discovered that methylene blue might help cells make vitality extra effectively by giving mitochondria a better method to transfer electrons when their regular pathways are broken or pressured, says Lorne Hofseth, who research dyes' impact on most cancers and irritation on the College of South Carolina Faculty of Pharmacy.

He additionally cites research carried out in rodents and worms to indicate that methylene blue improves mind vitality use, reduces irritation, and protects towards neurological injury.

With regards to analysis in people, there have been a number of smaller trials in choose populations which have proven antidepressant or cognitive advantages from pure methylene blue. However Hofseth says these findings stay preliminary — which is why he strongly discourages folks from taking it as a complement, as proper now, the dangers outweigh the advantages.

"You are losing your cash," he says.

That does not imply methylene blue is a complete scientific useless finish. Hofseth factors to promising work being carried out within the UK on a modified type of the dye to deal with Alzheimer's illness. However this methylene blue is totally different from the dye individuals are buying as an over-the-counter complement.

So why would possibly on-line influencers really feel satisfied that methylene blue makes them really feel higher and assume sooner?

"Cognition is subjective," says Nicole Brandt, a professor on the College of Maryland Faculty of Pharmacy who research geriatric pharmacotherapy. "We've got good and unhealthy days if we sleep nicely, if we eat nicely."

The Dangers:

Along with losing cash, Hofseth and Brandt each warn of opposed unintended effects from methylene blue. That features serotonin toxicity, which is a severe drug response, which may trigger elevated blood strain, diarrhea, seizures, and even demise: Individuals who take sure antidepressants, together with Zoloft and Lexapro, are particularly in danger.

Methylene blue may be harmful for individuals who have a genetic dysfunction affecting crimson blood cells referred to as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

One other concern is folks might not know what they're getting once they purchase methylene blue over-the-counter.

"We actually do not have good oversight, or any oversight to dietary dietary supplements and what's in them," Brandt says.

In contrast to medication, dietary supplements usually are not authorised by the FDA for security and efficacy earlier than they go available on the market. However they do should observe sure guidelines round labeling. Producers are additionally topic to inspection, and the FDA displays security issues as soon as merchandise are available on the market.

Nevertheless, federal regulators have finite assets and are unable to catch each unhealthy actor, says Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Faculty of Public Well being and a former principal deputy commissioner on the FDA. That is why he says it is purchaser beware with methylene blue, and related merchandise

"The web is an enormous place," he advised NPR. "There are plenty of merchandise on the market that aren't protected."

It is also not clear whether or not methylene blue meets the regulatory definition of a complement. It is listed in an FDA database as a generic drug that requires a prescription.

And most methylene blue merchandise usually are not in a federal registry of dietary complement labels, in line with Jeff Ventura, vp for communications on the Council for Accountable Diet. Lots of the merchandise seen on-line usually are not explicitly recognized as dietary supplements.

The FDA didn't reply to a request for remark about the way it's attainable for on-line retailers to promote methylene blue with no prescription.

The Backside Line:

Those that nonetheless need to strive methylene blue ought to first discuss to a clinician to make sure they don't seem to be in danger for opposed unintended effects. And if somebody's taking methylene blue for a selected well being concern, like mind fog or fatigue, a major care supplier can even assist deal with these points, says Sharfstein.