Methylene Blue: The ‘Magic’ Drug That’s Taking Over Social Media – But Is It Safe?

Last week, a short video of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known American politician and health advocate, caused a frenzy online. In the clip, taken during a flight, he is seen using a pipette to add drops of a bright blue liquid to his water.

RFK Jr., 72, has not explained what the liquid was or whether he drank it. However, internet sleuths believe it was methylene blue, a substance originally used as a Victorian-era medicine and now known for disinfecting fish tanks.

Why Are People Talking About Methylene Blue?

The video went viral after Vance Elrod, a professional mixed martial artist, posted it on the social media platform X. He claimed methylene blue has health benefits, including protecting the body from radiation during flights. His post has since been viewed over 20 million times.

RFK Jr., nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, is known for his controversial views on health. But he isn’t the only celebrity linked to methylene blue.

- Hollywood actor Mel Gibson recently claimed that three of his friends used it as part of an alternative treatment for stage four cancer.

British actress Davinia Taylor, who has over one million Instagram followers, has called it a possible remedy for cancer.

- Other influencers say it can boost focus, fight infections, combat depression, and even prevent dementia.

While methylene blue is already used to treat some medical conditions, experts warn it is not a cure-all and can have serious risks.

What Is Methylene Blue?

Methylene blue, also known as methylthioninium chloride, was first developed in the 19th century as a treatment for malaria. It works by increasing haemoglobin levels in the blood, which helps transport oxygen to the organs.

Over the years, it has been used to treat conditions like sepsis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even infections during wartime. Soldiers who took it even reported that their urine turned blue!

However, when modern antibiotics and treatments became available, methylene blue lost popularity. Today, it is mainly used to clean fish tanks and treat a rare blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, which affects about 20,000 people in the UK.

Why Are People Calling It a ‘Wonder Drug’?

In recent years, health influencers have praised methylene blue for its supposed anti-ageing, brain-boosting, and disease-fighting properties. Some believe it helps improve mitochondria, the energy-producing centres of cells, which could slow down ageing and prevent diseases like cancer.

The most exciting claim? That it might help fight dementia.

- A 2020 Chinese study suggested methylene blue could be a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

- Some researchers believe it may increase serotonin levels, which could help with depression and bipolar disorder.

- A 2011 study on 37 bipolar patients found that methylene blue improved their symptoms.

- A 1987 U.S. study on 13 people with severe depression showed that methylene blue reduced depressive thoughts within three weeks.

There is even some research suggesting it could help with urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to its antiseptic properties. A 2020 Brazilian study found it might prevent bacteria from growing in the bladder.

Is There Enough Scientific Proof?

Experts are sceptical about the hype. Most of the studies on methylene blue are small and not conclusive.

Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert from King’s College London, explains, “The idea that methylene blue can slow down dementia or prevent cancer is just a theory right now. You can’t draw conclusions from studies with fewer than 50 people.”

The Hidden Dangers of Methylene Blue

While some people swear by methylene blue, doctors warn that taking it without medical supervision could be dangerous.

One major risk is serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition that can occur if methylene blue is combined with antidepressants called SSRIs. Symptoms include:

- Confusion

- Agitation

- Muscle twitching

- Seizures

- Irregular heartbeat

- Loss of consciousness

Certain ethnic groups, including Asians, Africans, and some Mediterraneans, may lack an enzyme called G6PD, which is needed to break down excess serotonin. These individuals are at higher risk of severe side effects.

Prof. Ward warns that “Some people don’t realize they have this genetic condition until they experience serotonin syndrome. Right now, the risks of methylene blue outweigh the potential benefits.”

Should You Take Methylene Blue?

Methylene blue does have legitimate medical uses, but it is not a magic cure for all diseases. Experts agree that more large-scale studies are needed before recommending it for brain health, ageing, or infections.

For now, self-experimenting with methylene blue could be risky. If you are considering it for any health purpose, it’s best to consult a doctor first.

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