November 13, 2025

What Methylene Blue Does Andrew Huberman Recommend

Methylene blue has grown rapidly in popularity among biohackers, high-performing professionals, and wellness enthusiasts, largely due to discussions from prominent researchers like Dr. Andrew Huberman.

As a Stanford neuroscientist and host of The Huberman Lab Podcast, Huberman often breaks down the science behind supplements that support brain function and cellular energy.

While he does not directly prescribe or endorse methylene blue for personal use, he shares research-based insights on its potential benefits, mechanisms, and safety considerations.

What Methylene Blue Does Andrew Huberman Recommend?

Based on his discussions, Huberman’s views fall into seven clear, science-driven recommendations.

1. Use Only Pharmaceutical-Grade Methylene Blue

Huberman strongly emphasizes purity and safety.

He advises avoiding aquarium-grade methylene blue, industrial or chemical-grade MB, or any product not tested for heavy metals or contaminants

Only pharmaceutical-grade (USP-grade) methylene blue is suitable for human use. This ensures purity, consistent dosing, and reduced toxicity risk.

2. Lower Doses Are More Effective

Huberman notes that methylene blue functions as a low-dose compound, meaning its benefits appear only at very small amounts. At these lower levels, methylene blue supports mitochondrial efficiency and enhances cellular energy production.

However, when the dose increases beyond what the body can use effectively, the compound can become counterproductive or even harmful.

This is because its effects follow a dose-dependent curve where the optimal range is narrow, and exceeding it may lead to diminished results or unwanted side effects.

For this reason, Huberman emphasises staying within low, controlled doses to maintain both effectiveness and safety.

Studies show that MB supports mitochondrial efficiency by acting as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain—but only when used sparingly.

3. Understand the Mechanisms Before Using It

Huberman consistently encourages people to learn how a compound works before taking it.

He highlights three main mechanisms:

1. Supports Mitochondrial Energy

MB boosts ATP production, increasing the brain’s energy output.

2. Enhances Cognitive Function

Low-dose MB has been studied for improvements in:

Working memory
Long-term memory encoding
Focus and attention

3. Reduces Oxidative Stress

As a redox agent, MB neutralizes harmful free radicals—supporting healthier brain cells.

This mechanism is one of the reasons MB is popular among individuals seeking long-term cognitive resilience.

4. Avoid Methylene Blue if You Take SSRIs or Serotonin-Boosting Drugs

One of Huberman’s most important warnings involves drug interactions.

Because MB has mild MAOI properties, it can dangerously amplify serotonin levels when combined with:

SSRIs
SNRIs
MAOIs
Tricyclic antidepressants
Certain migraine medications

This combination may trigger serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Huberman strongly advises consulting a doctor before using MB if you take any prescription medication.

5. Don’t Use MB as a Shortcut—Fix Your Fundamentals First

Huberman repeatedly explains that no supplement, including methylene blue, can compensate for the lack of essential health habits such as quality sleep, proper nutrition, regular sunlight exposure, daily movement, stress management, and adequate hydration.

He emphasizes that methylene blue should be used only as a performance-enhancing tool once these fundamentals are in place, not as a substitute for them.

6. Start Small and Monitor Your Body’s Response

Because MB affects mitochondrial and neuronal function, individual responses vary. Huberman recommends starting with the lowest practical dose and increasing only if needed, while monitoring for:

Changes in focus
Mood
Energy levels
Any signs of overstimulation

This helps maintain effectiveness and minimize adverse reactions.

7. Use Methylene Blue When Cognitive Load Is High

Huberman mentions that MB may be most beneficial during times of increased mental demand, such as:

Deep work or writing
Research and concentration-heavy tasks
Long working hours
Cognitive stress or fatigue
Jet lag or low-oxygen environments

MB enhances oxygen utilisation and cellular metabolism, making it ideal for situations where mental performance matters most.

Is Methylene Blue Safe According to Huberman?

Huberman views low-dose, pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue as generally safe when used responsibly, but he emphasizes that purity, careful dosing, and awareness of potential drug interactions are essential.

He also encourages medical oversight and a cautious, gradual approach when trying methylene blue for the first time. Since long-term human research is still limited, Huberman advises users to prioritise safety, stay informed, and make decisions based on evidence rather than trends.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Does Andrew Huberman recommend taking Methylene Blue?

Huberman does not prescribe MB but provides science-backed insights on its mechanisms, benefits, and safety considerations.

Is methylene blue good for cognitive performance?

Studies cited by Huberman indicate improvements in memory, focus, clarity, and mitochondrial energy production at low doses.

What purity does Huberman prefer?

Only pharmaceutical-grade (USP) methylene blue is suitable for human use.

Does methylene blue boost brain energy?

Yes. It enhances mitochondrial function, increasing ATP production—the brain’s main energy currency.

Choose Pure, High-Quality Methylene Blue With NooBlue

If you’re exploring the cognitive and mitochondrial benefits of methylene blue, quality should be your first priority—just as Andrew Huberman emphasizes.

NooBlue offers: