Methylene Blue: What It Is, Why People Are Talking About It, and Why We Choose Not to Sell It

At Natural Biology, we believe our responsibility goes beyond selling products. We exist to help you understand whysomething works, when it makes sense, and when it doesn’t—even if that means saying no to popular trends.

One compound we’re frequently asked about is methylene blue.

It’s getting a lot of attention online for energy, focus, mitochondrial health, and even longevity. Some of that interest is rooted in real science. Much of it, unfortunately, is not.

This article explains what methylene blue actually is, why it “works,” the real risks involved, and why Natural Biology has made a deliberate decision not to sell it.

What Is Methylene Blue?

Methylene blue is a synthetic pharmaceutical compound, first developed in the late 1800s. Historically, it has been used as:

• A laboratory dye

• A diagnostic stain

• A prescription drug for specific medical conditions

Today, methylene blue is FDA-approved as a drug for limited medical uses, most notably the treatment of methemoglobinemia, a serious blood disorder. In clinical settings, it is administered under medical supervision.

It is important to understand this clearly:

Methylene blue is not a vitamin, mineral, or nutrient.
It is a pharmacologically active drug.

Why Does Methylene Blue “Work”?

The interest in methylene blue largely comes from its effects on mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside your cells.

In simple terms, methylene blue can act as a redox mediator—it can accept and donate electrons inside the mitochondrial electron transport chain. In certain situations, this can temporarily improve cellular energy production.

Researchers have observed that methylene blue can:

• Enhance mitochondrial respiration (in specific contexts)

• Reduce excessive nitric oxide signaling

• Act as a mild monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)

• Influence oxygen utilization at the cellular level

These effects help explain why some people report:

• Increased mental clarity

• Short-term energy improvements

• Cognitive effects

So yes—there is real science here.

But science without context can be dangerous.

The Safety Reality: Where Enthusiasm Becomes Risk

This is the part often left out of online discussions.

Methylene Blue Is Highly Dose-Sensitive

At low, carefully controlled medical doses, methylene blue can be therapeutic. At slightly higher or chronic doses, it can become pro-oxidant and harmful.

The margin between “helpful” and “harmful” is narrow.

Major Contraindications

Methylene blue should not be used by individuals who:

• Take SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic medications

• Have G6PD deficiency

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have kidney impairment

• Are using non-pharmaceutical-grade products

One of the most serious risks is serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when methylene blue interacts with common antidepressants.

This is not theoretical. It is documented in medical literature.

The Supplement Industry Problem

Another major concern is product quality.

Many methylene blue products sold online are:

• Industrial grade

• Laboratory grade

• Aquarium or veterinary grade

• Labeled “USP” without proper verification

Even trace impurities in methylene blue can be neurotoxic or mutagenic.

There is also:

• No standardized supplement dosing

• No long-term safety data for daily use

• No FDA dietary framework for inclusion in supplements

This places the burden of safety almost entirely on the consumer.

Why Natural Biology Chooses Not to Sell Methylene Blue

We want to be clear and transparent about this decision.

1. It Is a Drug, Not a Nutrient

Natural Biology focuses on foundational biological support—nutrients and compounds the human body recognizes, uses, and regulates naturally.

Methylene blue overrides biological systems rather than supporting them.

2. The Risk Profile Is Too High

The potential for drug interactions, misuse, and adverse events is significant. Even with disclaimers, this is not something we believe should be sold as a consumer supplement.

3. Quality and Liability Concerns

Ensuring pharmaceutical-grade purity, screening customers for contraindications, and managing medical risk is beyond what a responsible nutrition company should attempt.

4. It Conflicts with Our Philosophy

Natural Biology exists to support the body’s design, not hack it.

We believe long-term health is built through:

• Mineral balance

• Redox harmony

• Mitochondrial support via nutrition

• Respect for biological limits

Methylene blue may have a place in medicine.
It does not have a place in our supplement line.

What We Focus on Instead

Many people are drawn to methylene blue because they want:

• Better energy

• Healthier mitochondria

• Improved redox balance

• Cognitive resilience

These goals can often be addressed more safely through:

• Foundational minerals

• Polyphenols like resveratrol

• Nutrients that support NAD⁺ pathways

• Antioxidant systems the body already understands

These approaches:

• Work with biology, not against it

• Have long safety histories

• Do not require drug-interaction screening

• Support long-term health, not short-term stimulation

Our Commitment to You

We believe trust is built not by selling everything—but by knowing what not to sell.

Our promise is to:

• Follow the science honestly

• Respect biological reality

• Avoid hype

• Choose safety over trends

• Put your long-term health first

If you ever have questions about popular compounds, trends, or claims, we invite you to ask. Even when the answer is no, you deserve to know why.

— Natural Biology