Methylene blue helped me, but how?

[ridethelightning]

I've tried couple of supplements for my fatigue and poor sleep such as B1 and q10(both forms) and didn't notice anything. Only 1 mg Methylene blue (didn't feel anything on 0.5) helped me. I feel more energetic and my sleep improved. Did this work because it bypassed Complex 1 in my mitochondria? So, can my problem be solved by fixing Complex 1 by increasing B2 and B3 vitamins?

[Peatful]

@ridethelightning did this happen consistently?

[LucH]

@ridethelightning said:

I've tried couple of supplements for my fatigue and poor sleep

Short answer:
B1 alone won’t do the job but is part of the solution.
Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction directly with B-vitamins may help, but it operates through a different mechanism:
By taking B1 supplement alone, you exhaust B2 (more B2 must be associated in glycogenesis (B1 B2 B3 B5 ).
Co-factor Demands: The active forms of B1 and B2 work together in the mitochondria for cellular respiration. Pushing one process too hard without adequate co-factors (like B2) limits overall efficiency. Synergy problem.
Figure; interaction between B vitamins and cofactors.

A B2 deficiency is the root of your Complex I sluggishness, upping your riboflavin intake can indeed improve function. [1, 2]

1. https://goldmanlaboratories.com/blogs/blog/supplements-for-tiredness-best-vitamins-and-nutrients-to-fight-fatigue?srsltid=AfmBOopbfKM6B5_R2w_yMH3xz-4AeyU-cj5WyC4gXlvfPgTH7PLFx1sN
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231714000500

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): B3 is the precursor to NAD⁺, which is required for fuel extraction and acts as the primary electron donor to Complex I. Boosting NAD⁺ supports the entire cellular metabolism process. [1, 2]
A Note on Methylene Blue's Hormetic Effect
Methylene blue (MB) is highly dose-dependent. In very low doses (like the 1 mg you used), it acts as an antioxidant and mitochondrial enhancer. However, higher doses can act as a pro-oxidant.
Warning: MB acts as a weak Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), meaning it can dangerously interact with many medications and supplements (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs).
MB has also independent effects and cerebral blood flow, so improvement could partly reflect a mood/alertness effect rather than pure Complex I bypass.

Suggestions to improve sleep quality and recover energy (synergy link)
Treating one without the other often gives partial results.
The Winning Trio (in powder form to avoid capsules):

1. Glycine (3 g): The foundation. It lowers body temperature (essential for falling asleep) and improves deep sleep quality without causing next-day drowsiness. 10 % will be assimilated, according to Haidut.
2. L-Theanine (200 mg): Relaxes the brain without inducing sleepiness. It acts as an immediate stress-reliever, quieting the "mental chatter" in your head.
3. Taurine (500mg to 1g): Contrary to popular belief (due to Red Bull), it calms the nervous system by mimicking GABA (the brain's "brake"). Begin with 500 mg.

The essential little "+":
Vitamin B6: It acts as a "key" to get all of that into your brain and convert your reserves into serotonin. 20–25 mg B6 PLP (half-life of approx. 20 hours).

Remind: take into account a low-grade inflammation impact on stress. If it last, adrenalin and cortisol have knocked out the body's ability to produce serotonin. Disruption of the serotonin-melatonin cycle. Taking a pill to sleep isn’t going to solve the problem on long term. Fine if only in a protocol. Don’t wait too long before adapting a relax technique…
Cycle
Lifestyle/CBT → Natural 5-HTP production → Serotonin & Melatonin spike → Preserved deep sleep → Cellular repair & Energy → Easier sleep.
CBT: Cognitive & behavior Therapy (or any relaxing technique).

Tip: I massage my back over the adrenal glands shortly after getting up (the area of the back level with the elbows). + Bright day light for 2-3’.