Earlier this year, a video on Youtube by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. mixing a bright blue liquid in his drinking water halfway illustrated social media.
Almost immediately, curious scientists and viewers have hypothesized that the Secretary of Health and Social Services took methylene blue, a hundred -year -old synthetic chemical which was used as a fabric dye, disinfectant of the aquarium and treatment of blood disorders. Recently, the chemical product has gained popularity among influencers of well-being on Tiktok and Biohackers as Brain Health Cure-All, Mood and Energy Booster and Longevity.
Experts, however, say that it is not yet a great idea to get on the #Bluetongue train.
What is methylene blue?
Methylene blue is a synthetic coloring developed for the first time in the late 1800s to color the fabrics. At the beginning of the 20th century, doctors began to use it as one of the first chemotherapy and as a treatment for malaria, explains Jamie Alan, Pharmd, PHD, pharmacologist at Michigan State University in East Lansing.
“Although it was effective in malaria, it has been largely replaced by other therapies,” said Dr. Alan.
Why do some well-being influencers use methylene blue?
Methylene Blue users say that putting a few drops of chemicals in their water improves memory, cognition, sleep, skin aging, energy and longevity.
What is the proof of methylene blue?
“There is no solid data on how methylene blue would work out of AMM for something like cognitive function,” says Alan.
Why experts think that taking methylene blue is risky
Methylene blue can be prescribed out of AMM for various purposes, including vasoplegic syndrome (a type of shock that can occur during heart procedures), Lyme disease and as a complement to cancer therapy.
But doctors are concerned about people who are treated with methylene blue. “I do not recommend anyone who uses methylene blue by themselves. It should only be used under the supervision of a health professional, ”she says.
There are significant risks to take methylene blue, explains Alan, in particular:
- Central nervous system symptoms Because methylene blue can cross the brain, it can cause central nervous side effects such as dizzy, confusion and headache.
- Seroton syndrome Methylene blue interacts with several antidepressants, and the combination can potentially lead to serotonin syndrome, a serious drug reaction caused by high levels of serotonin in the body. Symptoms include tremors, insomnia, confusion and diarrhea. “It’s quite unpleasant while it happens,” says Alan.
- Damage caused by the kidneys Patients with poor kidney function should be particularly cautious to use this compound.
Methylene blue also changes the color of a person in blue-green color, although this is technically harmless, explains Alan.
Conclusion: all the potential advantages of methylene blue are not worth the risk
Alan says that all the potential advantages of methylene blue are not worth putting your health in danger.
It is also important to recognize that many people who talk about the chemicals on social networks may not completely know the data, she said. “This is why health professionals, and not celebrities or politicians, should be the experts that people are looking for when they decide on the” most recent “trend.”
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