From the Guidelines
Methylene blue supplements are not generally recommended for routine health benefits due to limited evidence and potential risks. While methylene blue has legitimate medical uses in specific clinical settings, such as treating methemoglobinemia at doses of 1-2 mg/kg 1, it is not approved as a dietary supplement for general health promotion. Some proponents claim it may have antioxidant properties, enhance mitochondrial function, improve cognitive performance, and provide neuroprotective effects, but these benefits remain largely theoretical or based on preliminary research.
Important considerations include potential serious side effects such as serotonin syndrome when combined with certain medications (especially SSRIs and MAOIs) 1, blue discoloration of urine and skin, digestive upset, and possible harm to individuals with G6PD deficiency. Additionally, supplement-grade methylene blue lacks standardized quality control and dosing guidelines.
If you're interested in methylene blue for health purposes, consult with a healthcare provider first, as pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue should only be used under medical supervision for specific conditions, such as calcium channel blocker overdose, where it is administered at a dose of 1–2 mg/kg, repeated every hour if needed 1. Key points to consider include:
- Potential for serotonin syndrome with certain medications
- Risk of hemolysis in G6PD deficiency
- Lack of standardized quality control and dosing for supplements
- Need for medical supervision for pharmaceutical-grade use.
From the Research
Health Benefits of Methylene Blue Supplements
There are limited studies on the health benefits of taking methylene blue supplements. However, the available evidence suggests that methylene blue has several medical applications, including:
- Treatment of methemoglobinemia, a condition characterized by an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood 2, 3
- Treatment of ifosfamide neurotoxicity and refractory vasoplegic shock in critically ill patients 3
- Potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, possibly through its inhibition of the aggregation of tau protein 4
- Antidote for cyanide intoxication and detection of leaks or position of parathyroid corpuscles during surgery 5
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While methylene blue has several medical applications, it also has potential risks and side effects, including:
- Dose-dependent toxic effects, such as hemolysis, methemoglobinemia, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dyspnea, and hypertension 5
- Skin irritation and adverse inflammatory response in some individuals 5
- Serotoninergic toxicity, which can manifest as neuromuscular hyperactivity 5
- Special risks in patients with G-6-PD deficiency, as well as those exposed to aniline dyes and dapsone 2