8 Bite-Sized Methylene Blue Facts from Our Toronto Functional Medicine Clinic

The topic of methylene blue has been popping up in Toronto functional medicine and IV therapy circles. Sure, it sounds like a new shade of paint – but it actually has a key role in the history of conventional medicine! 

Methylene blue (MB) has been studied in recent years for potentially supporting:

• Mental clarity and concentration 
• Cellular energy (to reduce fatigue) 
• Healthy aging

Scientists are intrigued by MB’s impact on brain function because the brain alone requires copious amounts of energy. That said, supporting energy production on a cellular level could theoretically (and positively!) affect cognition. 

If you’re in pursuit of enhancing memory, reducing inflammation, or sustaining long-term wellness, you may be interested in this post! We introduce you to basic facts about methylene blue and how our IV Lounge can personalize this as an oral supplement or IV vitamin therapy. 

Top 10 methylene blue quick facts 

• It’s been embraced by Western medicine practitioners for over a hundred years. MB was the first synthetic remedy used in conventional medicine! The compound was used to treat malaria during the late 1800s. In the 1900s, it was also found to be therapeutic for cyanide poisoning. 
• MB may support the ‘power plants’ of your cells. The mitochondria of your cells generate most of your cellular energy. Methylene blue has been shown to improve cellular respiration, helping to produce your body’s ‘energy currency’ called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). 
• Small doses can potentially enhance cognitive clarity. When energy production is efficient, mental clarity and focus can be naturally reinforced. Human studies have shown that low MB doses may possibly enhance memory and brain activity, especially in regions that emphasize recall and attention skills. 
• MB may promote antioxidant effects. Free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage, can excessively accumulate in the body and trigger inflammation. Tailored methylene blue might be beneficial for stabilizing free radicals before they cause harm, making this therapy potentially helpful for managing some chronic conditions. 
• It also contains antimicrobial properties. When activated by light, methylene blue has been shown to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can also interact with the genetic material of microbes, damaging their DNA and preventing these germs from multiplying in the body. 
• Adjusted doses might support mental health improvements. Getting methylene blue IV therapy or taking them as oral tablets may be impactful for mood and brain chemistry. Some studies suggest that MB bears influence over neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, especially since “…methylene blue has antidepressant, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties documented by both animal and human studies,” reports a CNS Drugs piece. 
• It may be protective against neurodegeneration. Many brain diseases involve misfolded proteins. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease, certain proteins called tau proteins get tangled; and in Parkinson’s, there are clumps of misfolded proteins called alpha-synuclein. MB has the potential to interfere with protein clumping, helping to prevent toxic buildups. Think of it this way – methylene blue may be capable of preventing ‘protein junk’ from clogging your brain cells. 
• Dosing significantly impacts health outcomes. The key to methylene blue’s effectiveness is dosing – this is due to the fact that it has a hormetic effect. This means that low doses can lead to beneficial effects, while high doses can lead to opposite effects. Hence, proper dosing and guidance from a healthcare practitioner are essential for relevance and safety. 

Is this treatment right for you? 

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, methylene blue may be prescribed to qualifying patients as intravenous therapy or oral supplementation. To explore MB for your health and well-being, a qualified healthcare provider must assist you, such as one from our IV Lounge. 

Personalized care must be considered for methylene blue administration, as your dosage must be customized. This means that an initial consultation is mandatory for getting a formal prescription – this session will involve a deep-dive into your personal health history, lifestyle and environmental factors, and current use of supplements and medications. We may explore other underlying concerns prior to prescribing MB, and functional lab testing may be advised for scrutinizing oxidative damage, cell health, inflammation, etc. 

Note: Methylene blue is not recommended and will not be prescribed for pregnant and/or breastfeeding patients; those diagnosed with G6PD deficiency; people with severe kidney issues; and a known sensitivity to MB. If you’re currently on SSRIs, methylene blue is not advised because it can put you at risk for serotonin syndrome. 

In perspective, MB is an example of how an older compound can find new life in our modern health needs. Its effects are wide-ranging – but also dependent on adapted dosing. Our clinicians can tailor several modalities for your health needs, from lifestyle modifications to tailored nutritional / botanical supplementation. Our functional naturopathic doctor is adept in pharmacognosy, so our wellness strategies take medication interactions, genetic profile, etc. into consideration. Learn more about our patient-centered in the next section. 

Suggested reading: Buriti: Functional Medicine Uses of the Amazon Rainforest Palm for Skin, Vision & Beyond

Gain cognitive clarity, manage pain, and more at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre

When was the last time you felt naturally energetic, free of pain, and confident in your long-term wellness needs? With functional medicine, the goal is to understand the root cause of health shortcomings. Knowing these can help you take actions toward optimal functioning. This involves applying a personalized approach to your health and well-being, tailoring therapies exclusively for your biology. Many patients who struggle with chronic illness opt into our functional medicine protocols for managing hot flashes, fatigue, insulin resistance, depression, weight gain, and more. 

Our functional integrative wellness practices are comprehensive – we can responsibly mix and match Western and naturopathic medicine, various herbal medicines and hormone balancing strategies (i.e. bio-identical hormone therapy), and IV drip therapies. As we share space with the wellness hub Supernatural Yorkville, you also have access to their longevity tools, including cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage suits, red light therapy, and mediation frequencies. We aim to promote a therapeutic partnership between our clinicians and patients – every question you have is valid, and we provide you with lengthy sessions to help you understand your condition. 

Our holistic care services also include functional lab testing, and some of the tests we offer cannot be accessed by some conventional medicine clinic. Our lab testing services are valuable for scrutinizing biomarkers linked to gut health, oxidative stress, metabolic detoxification, toxin exposures, cognitive decline, and more. These tests are necessary for customizing some modalities, such as IV therapy drips, oral supplements, and estrogen/testosterone therapy.  

Currently, methylene blue can be prescribed and customized by our IV Lounge practitioners. Request your initial appointment now to reap the benefits of our holistic health modalities, IV vitamin therapy, and more from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Alda M. Methylene Blue in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. CNS Drugs. 2019 Aug;33(8):719-725. doi: 10.1007/s40263-019-00641-3. PMID: 31144270.

Bruchey, Aleksandra K., and F Gonzalez-Lima. “Behavioral, Physiological and Biochemical Hormetic Responses to the Autoxidizable Dye Methylene Blue.” American Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, vol. 3, no. 1, 2008, p. 72, https://doi.org/10.3844/ajptsp.2008.72.79. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

Garcia-Padilla, Carlos, et al. “Methylene Blue Increases Active Mitochondria and Cellular Survival Through Modulation of MiR16–UPR Signaling Axis.” Journal of Molecular Pathology, vol. 6, no. 3, 2025, p. 16, https://doi.org/10.3390/jmp6030016. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

Howland RH. Methylene Blue: The Long and Winding Road from Stain to Brain: Part 1. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2016 Sep 1;54(9):21-4. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20160818-01. PMID: 27576224.

Ostrovsky A, Afzal M. Methylene Blue. [Updated 2026 Jan 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557593/

Poudel SB, Frikha-Benayed D, Ruff RR, Yildirim G, Dixit M, Korstanje R, Robinson L, Miller RA, Harrison DE, Strong JR, Schaffler MB, Yakar S. Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction using methylene blue or mitoquinone to improve skeletal aging. Aging (Albany NY). 2024 Mar 25;16(6):4948-4964. doi: 10.18632/aging.205147. Epub 2024 Mar 25. PMID: 38535998; PMCID: PMC11006499.

Raichle ME, Gusnard DA. Appraising the brain’s energy budget. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Aug 6;99(16):10237-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.172399499. Epub 2002 Jul 29. PMID: 12149485; PMCID: PMC124895.

Rodriguez, Pavel, et al. “Methylene Blue Modulates Functional Connectivity in the Human Brain.” Brain Imaging and Behavior, vol. 11, no. 3, 2017, p. 640, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-016-9541-6. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

Rojas, Julio C., et al. “Neurometabolic Mechanisms for Memory Enhancement and Neuroprotection of Methylene Blue.” Progress in Neurobiology, vol. 96, no. 1, 2012, pp. 32- 45, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.10.007. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

Scholey AB, Moss MC, Neave N, Wesnes K. Cognitive performance, hyperoxia, and heart rate following oxygen administration in healthy young adults. Physiol Behav. 1999 Nov;67(5):783-9. doi: 10.1016/s0031-9384(99)00183-3. PMID: 10604851.

Specht KG. The role of DNA damage in PM2 viral inactivation by methylene blue photosensitization. Photochem Photobiol. 1994 May;59(5):506-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.1994.tb02976.x. PMID: 8041805.

Xiong, Zheng-Mei, et al. “Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity.” Scientific Reports, vol. 7, no. 1, 2017, p. 2475, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-02419-3. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.

Toronto NAD IV Therapy Approach to Aging: Should you Take NAD in your 40s?

If you’ve heard whispers of people getting NAD+ IV therapy in Toronto, you’re not alone! Right now, NAD is one of the most talked-about compounds in functional medicine. You may even want to consider it if you’ve reached your 40s – our IV Lounge explains why. 

NAD’s Role in Cellular Aging and Healthy Longevity

Despite what happens in Hollywood movies, there’s no cure for aging – but NAD supplements, especially in the form of precursors or nutrient IV drips, may potentially offer aid for energy production and healthy aging. 

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is called NAD for short, is pivotal for several body functions. It’s a coenzyme found in every cell, with key roles in DNA repair, cell stress responses, brain and cardiovascular health, and mitochondrial functioning. It also helps activate sirtuin proteins, which are involved in cellular repair and longevity pathways.

Without enough NAD in the body, your cells cannot efficiently produce energy that you need from food. And unfortunately, lab data has confirmed that NAD+ levels decline in the human body with age. “Some cells begin using NAD more quickly than your body can replace it, lowering overall levels,” confirms the Cleveland Clinic. This means that when NAD levels are compromised, your cells may face difficulties with producing energy and repairing cellular damages; this may manifest as aging symptoms, like excessive fatigue, skin wrinkles, chronic inflammation, and more. So, if you’re in your 40s and you’ve noticed that your vigour has dwindled, NAD is something to be aware of! 

Comprehending NAD for Your 40s

Your 40s are when subtle signs of aging can appear. If you’re in this age range, you might notice: 

• Lowered energy levels 
• Slow athletic recovery
• Significant reductions in stress resilience
• Brain fog 
• Sleep changes
• Metabolic issues

From a functional medicine view, this is a time in life when mitochondrial efficiency may experience declines. Since NAD is linked to mitochondrial function and drops with age, researchers have explored NAD’s role in supporting healthy aging. One paper from the Translational Medicine of Aging reported that, “Mounting evidence has indicated that NAD+ levels decline with age in multiple types of tissues, which include the liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, heart, brain, kidney, pancreas, lungs, spleen, skin, as well as extracellular fluids.” 

Human lab studies have confirmed that NAD-related precursors (which are compounds that convert to NAD when inside the body) can potentially boost NAD+ levels. One example is a Nature Communications article, which mentioned a study on healthy adults aged 55-79. In this study, participants consumed nicotinamide riboside, a NAD precursor, for six weeks. It was found that NR supplements upped NAD amounts and improvements were noticed in blood pressure and arterial stiffness; NR supplementation was also well tolerated among participants.

So, are you ready to explore NAD for your mid-life needs? Hold on a second – you should know first that it’s necessary to consult with a functional health provider. Here’s why: Supplementing with NAD depends on your personal goals and expectations. It depends on your current condition, too, which means that underlying concerns should be responsibly scrutinized. Before taking NAD supplements, it may be vital to address issues linked to: 

• Chronic inflammation
• Poor sleep
• Imbalanced blood sugar levels
• Overusing alcohol and/or other unnecessary substances
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Chronic stress

These factors can impair mitochondrial health and energy production, and they might require treatment and lifestyle modifications before taking NAD precursors or getting IV therapy. 

What to Expect from Your NAD Consultation

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we can help determine if NAD IV therapy, sublingual, or oral supplements are appropriate for you. This is valuable for avoiding medication interactions, as NAD+ supplements can interact with resveratrol, blood pressure and diabetes prescriptions, as well as blood-thinning agents. People with active cancer or certain metabolic issues should seek advice from a healthcare provider about NAD-boosting supplements, as the compound can significantly impact cell growth and repair. If you were to visit us for a NAD consultation, here are some things to expect: 

• Your health history will be examined: We’ll unravel your medical history, genetic profile, current use of medications and vitamin supplementation, as well as lifestyle/environmental factors. 
• Functional medicine lab testing may be advised: To further delve into your health needs, our lab testing services may be used. As we have access to advanced labs, we can capture unique snapshots of your hormonal balance, gut microbiome, oxidative damage, nutrient and antioxidant levels, and more. Knowing specific details about your biology guides us in personalizing your NAD treatment plan.
• Oral, sublingual and IV NAD routes may be discussed: Various NAD delivery methods are available, and if you struggle with malabsorption or dysphagia, we can prescribe a NAD IV infusion with a custom dose. Intravenous therapy guarantees a complete absorption of nutrients, as drip formulas enter the bloodstream without the digestive process. NAD IV therapy is especially suitable for patients with chronic digestive conditions, like Crohn’s, colitis, and irritable bowel disorder. 

Keep in mind… That NAD does not reverse aging! NAD+ IV therapy, as well as related oral and sublingual supplements, are not stand-ins for healthy eating and exercise; the compound is a supportive wellness tool only. Lifestyle modifications and therapeutic modalities should continue as per instructions from your healthcare provider. 

Nutrient-rich IV therapy is administered in our in-house IV Lounge. Along with NAD, our tailored IV drips can be blended with various amino acids, iron, high-dose vitamin C, and more. If you’re in your 40s and feeling the signs of aging, NAD supplements show promise in providing supportive benefits. If you’re interested in getting personalized health care from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, read below. 

Suggested reading: Stacking NAD IV Therapy in Toronto with Glutathione and Red-Light Therapy

Integrative health care and functional lab testing can be accessed today

Functional medicine is a form of healthcare that emphasizes personalization. You do not need a referral to make an appointment with our clinic! By adapting various treatment modalities, we can integrate therapies for your uniqueness. Along with IV therapy, we can modify Western and naturopathic medicine, acupuncture (cold laser), Amazonian herbal remedies, hormone optimization/replacement strategies, and more. Our integrated treatment plans are suited for chronic needs, and may also be helpful for mood stability, perimenopause, metabolism support, digestion, and cognitive performance. 

In our IV Lounge, we administer tailored IV therapy services to patients. Our drips are freshly blended daily with a dosage that’s prescribed just for you. We only use natural ingredients, and intravenous therapy is blended on site only. Our lounge includes several treatment chairs to accommodate patients and we adhere to safety protocols with regular inspections. If you have any questions during your IV session, feel free to ask a team member! Our wellness team includes naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and more. 

Our IV Lounge is accepting new patients right now. Request your consult for tailored NAD IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – click here to contact our wellness centre today.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Aman, Yahyah, et al. “Therapeutic Potential of Boosting NAD+ in Aging and Age-related Diseases.” Translational Medicine of Aging, vol. 2, 2018, pp. 30-37, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tma.2018.08.003. Accessed 7 May 2026.

Martens, Christopher R., et al. “Chronic Nicotinamide Riboside Supplementation Is Well-tolerated and Elevates NAD+ in Healthy Middle-aged and Older Adults.” Nature Communications, vol. 9, no. 1, 2018, p. 1286, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03421-7. Accessed 7 May 2026.

McReynolds MR, Chellappa K, Baur JA. Age-related NAD+ decline. Exp Gerontol. 2020 Jun;134:110888. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.110888. Epub 2020 Feb 22. PMID: 32097708; PMCID: PMC7442590.

Ogbonna, Emmanuella. “7 Medications That You Should Not Combine With NAD+.” Health, 11 Mar. 2025, https://www.health.com/medications-not-to-mix-with-nad-11685772.

Orr, M. E., Kotkowski, E., Ramirez, P., Bair-Kelps, D., Liu, Q., Brenner, C., Schmidt, M. S., Fox, P. T., Larbi, A., Tan, C., Wong, G., Gelfond, J., Frost, B., Espinoza, S., Musi, N., & Powers, B. (2024). A randomized placebo-controlled trial of nicotinamide riboside in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. GeroScience, 46(1), 665–682. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00999-9

Peluso, Augusto, et al. “Age-Dependent Decline of NAD+—Universal Truth or Confounded Consensus?” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 1, 2021, p. 101, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010101. Accessed 7 May 2026.

Shen, X., Wang, C., Zhou, X. et al. Nonlinear dynamics of multi-omics profiles during human aging. Nat Aging 4, 1619–1634 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-024-00692-2

Tompa, Rachel. “Massive Biomolecular Shifts Occur in Our 40s and 60s, Stanford Medicine Researchers Find.” Stanford Medicine, 14 Aug. 2024, https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/08/massive-biomolecular-shifts-occur-in-our-40s-and-60s–stanford-m.html. Accessed 7 May 2026.

“What Is NAD+ & Why Is It Important?” Cleveland Clinic, 26 Feb. 2026, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/nad-nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide. Accessed 6 May 2026.

Yang F, Deng X, Yu Y, Luo L, Chen X, Zheng J, Qiu Y, Xiao F, Xie X, Zhao Y, Guo J, Hu F, Zhang X, Ju Z, Zhou Y. Association of Human Whole Blood NAD+ Contents With Aging. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Mar 21;13:829658. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.829658. PMID: 35388296; PMCID: PMC8979162.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.