Bryan Johnson is once again at the bleeding edge of human experimentation. And this time, he’s turning heads with "blue" urine. The multimillionaire biohacker recently revealed that he’s added methylene blue to his longevity protocol, igniting another round of curiosity, confusion, and copycats in the wellness world.

But before you sprint to Amazon or your supplement stack, let’s unpack what methylene blue really is, why it’s trending and whether it deserves a spot in your routine.

What is Methylene Blue?

Methylene blue (also known as methylthioninium chloride) was originally developed as a synthetic dye and has been used for over a century in medical settings.

Its most well-known role? Treating methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder where the body can’t effectively carry oxygen. When used for this purpose, it works as an oxidation-reduction agent, helping red blood cells do their job.

But like many compounds repurposed by the biohacking community, methylene blue has found a second life. This time as a potential cognitive enhancer, mitochondrial booster and anti-aging molecule.

Why are Biohackers Obsessed with It?

Methylene blue is said to supercharge mitochondria, which are the tiny energy factories inside your cells. In theory a more mitochondrial efficiency means:

• Sharper cognitive function

• More sustained energy

• Better memory and focus

• Slower cellular aging

It’s no wonder Bryan Johnson, who famously spends millions optimizing every biological metric imaginable, has embraced it.

And he’s not alone. A growing wave of health influencers and longevity-focused MDs have started experimenting with methylene blue, posting about mental clarity and improved biomarkers.

However, while anecdotal evidence is compelling, clinical evidence remains early-stage and inconclusive. Most studies on methylene blue involve high doses in clinical contexts, not microdosing for mitochondrial magic.

Is it Actually Safe?

Well, yes and no.

The FDA has approved methylene blue for very specific uses, including:

• Methemoglobinemia treatment

• Cyanide poisoning

• Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy

• Diagnostic imaging

• Photodynamic cancer therapy

But as with any powerful compound, the context, dosage, and individual biochemistry matter.

What to Watch Out For

Serotonin Syndrome

Methylene blue inhibits monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), an enzyme that breaks down serotonin. When combined with certain antidepressants or psychiatric meds, it can cause serotonin to spike dangerously, leading to serotonin syndrome.

G6PD Deficiency

If you have this genetic enzyme disorder, methylene blue can cause hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells break down rapidly.

Pregnancy & Kidney Risks

Methylene blue is a category X drug during pregnancy that's linked to fetal intestinal defects. People with kidney issues should also avoid it, as it may worsen renal function.

Allergic Reactions

Past allergic or anaphylactic reactions to methylene blue are a clear contraindication.

Before considering methylene blue, you must understand your own biology. At Mito Health, our testing protocol flags risks like G6PD deficiency and helps you identify if you're genetically or biochemically predisposed to adverse reactions.

Biohacking Without the Guesswork

Bryan Johnson’s experiment isn’t limited to one blue compound.

Just days before introducing methylene blue, he started Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training (IHHT), a non-invasive therapy that mimics altitude training by cycling between oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor air.

What’s clear is this: we’re entering an era where personalized experimentation is becoming mainstream.

But that doesn’t mean you should blindly follow every trend, even if it’s backed by a millionaire with glowing skin and a team of 30 doctors.

Final Word

Methylene blue might be the latest trending tool in the biohacker’s toolkit, but like any powerful substance, it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Bryan Johnson’s "blue" urine might make for a viral moment, but smart health optimization comes from data, not hype.

Related Articles

• The ABCs of Methylene Blue: Applications, Benefits, and Considerations

• The 11 Biomarkers Bryan Johnson Tracks to Live Longer (and Why You Should Too)

• Bryan Johnson’s Morning Routine: A Blueprint for Optimal Health and Longevity

Resources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557593/

2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24115-methemoglobinemia