TL;DR Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” may seem safe, but it can disrupt key biochemical processes, especially methylation. This gas inactivates vitamin B12. It can slow down methylation. This may lead to DNA repair, detoxification, and neurotransmitter regulation issues. People with MTHFR gene variants, B12 or methylfolate deficiencies, or those often exposed—like dental professionals—are at higher risk for negative effects. These may include fatigue, mood changes, and increased pain sensitivity. Worried about the risks of nitrous oxide? Making some simple lifestyle changes can help you manage anxiety safely.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is given through a mask. It is often used in medical and dental offices to help reduce anxiety.
While it may seem harmless, it’s no laughing matter—its side effects are real.
Yet, despite growing research on nitrous oxide safety—especially the risks for certain populations—its use continues to rise.
The Purpose of Nitrous Oxide
From your perspective, nitrous oxide may feel like a welcome relief.
Imagine preparing for a medical or dental procedure while drowning in anxiety.
You sit in a chair surrounded by sharp instruments and sterile lights.
Then the nurse offers you “laughing gas.”
Your answer? Likely an enthusiastic, "HECK YEAH!"
But what about the practitioner’s perspective?
For a busy practitioner with back-to-back appointments, an anxious patient can cause delays. This can disrupt the schedule. Nitrous oxide makes things easier for both the practitioner and the patient.
Nitrous oxide is popular because it's easy to use and control. Plus, it's cost-effective.
But does its simple convenience justify the risks?
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
When you breathe nitrous oxide in, it slows down signals in your brain. This makes pain feel less intense and can create a feeling of calm or even laughter. It works quickly and wears off fast once you stop breathing it. It doesn’t make you fall asleep, but it can make you feel light or dreamy.
Why Nitrous Oxide May Be Harmful
While nitrous oxide has legitimate medical applications, you can't ignore the downsides.1
At its core, the gas disrupts essential biochemical processes.
The main problem is its impact on methylation. This process is crucial for your body. It helps with gene expression, DNA repair, detoxification, and regulating neurotransmitters.
It’s basically the foundation of life!
How Does Nitrous Oxide Affect B12?
Here’s the chain reaction of how nitrous oxide sets off in your body, affecting vitamin B12:
- Nitrous oxide is a known oxidizer of cobalamin, i.e., vitamin B12.2,3
- It neutralizes B12 by rendering it inactive. If you don’t have enough active B12 (methylcobalamin), your methylation cycle slows down a lot.
- Add to this the role of methylfolate, another key player in methylation.4
- A lack of folate in your diet can stop your body from making methylfolate. This can be an issue if you also have an MTHFR mutation. A deficiency, along with inactive B12, can lead to more problems.5
Put simply, if you lack either active B12 or methylfolate, methylation is compromised. Nitrous oxide only makes this worse.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Nitrous oxide affects everyone differently. But, some groups are at a much higher risk of harmful side effects, such as:
- Dental professionals who are regularly exposed to first- or second-hand nitrous oxide.6
- Surgeons, nurses, and office staff with similar exposure.
- People with MTHFR polymorphisms. The combination of nitrous oxide and the MTHFR C667T variant or the C677T + A1298C combination can aggravate problems with methylation. Single A1298C does not predispose much risk, but two A1298C variants do.
- Vitamin B12 deficient individuals, a surprisingly common category.7
- Methylfolate-deficient individuals, whether due to genetics, diet, or lifestyle.
- People low in glutathione may struggle to repair damage from oxidized B12.
- Pregnant women. B12 is vital for the baby's growth, especially during the first trimester.8 In fact, It’s found in prenatals to support a healthy pregnancy. Using nitrous oxide during labor can lower B12 levels in both the mother and baby, which can be harmful.
- People with chronic conditions, like Lyme disease, autism, autoimmune issues, and inflammatory disorders.
Does Nitrous Oxide Really Help with Pain?
While nitrous oxide can relax you, it can actually make you more sensitive to pain.
Why?
It comes down to dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate pain. It can change when methylation is disrupted.9 When dopamine levels are high, your pain tolerance may dip. This can make you more sensitive, even with the calming effects of nitrous oxide.
For those with low dopamine, it can increase alertness and well-being. But for those with normal or high dopamine, it can lead to more pain, irritability, and insomnia. Individuals with MTHFR and COMT Met/Met variants may experience heightened pain from nitrous oxide. Ultimately, the effects vary by person.
What Are the Nitrous Oxide Side Effects to Look For?
You may experience one or several nitrous oxide side effects. But, the real danger with nitrous oxide lies in its subtle yet sometimes delayed side effects.
Symptoms can show up right away or days later. This makes it hard to link them to nitrous oxide use.
Some warning signs include:8
- Persistent fatigue, lethargy, or brain fog.
- Mood changes or irritability.
- Numbness or tingling, especially in extremities.
- Memory loss or cognitive decline.
- New symptoms like insomnia, liver issues, or unexplained sadness.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any of these after getting nitrous oxide.
What Are Safe Alternatives to Nitrous Oxide?
If you are concerned about nitrous oxide risks, you’ll be relieved to know several nitrous oxide alternatives are worth trying.
Phew!
Behavioral Approaches
- Meditation: Engage in mindfulness meditation to calm yourself pre-procedure. Picture fleeting thoughts as passing clouds—no focus, no attachment, just release.
- Distraction Techniques: Try music, light reading, or podcasts. These can help take your mind off things that make you anxious.
- Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or tapping: These techniques can help ease anxiety. You can ease your worries by tapping gently on certain points on your body. This helps release cortisol and shift your thoughts.
Practical Tweaks
- Sleep Well: Focus on quality sleep leading up to your appointment. Poor sleep messes with enzymes like MAO. This can boost serotonin and histamine levels, leading to more unease and agitation.
- Nutrition: Fuel your body with balanced meals. Include healthy fats, protein, and complex carbs. Avoid simple sugars, which spike cortisol and stress neurotransmitters.
- Reduce Caffeine: Cut daily caffeine to prevent dopamine surges and heightened unease.
- Use Adaptogens: Adaptogens help you feel calm. They regulate your body's stress response, lower cortisol levels, and promote relaxation. This allows you to cope better with stress, such as during medical or dental procedures.†
What If You Still Need Nitrous Oxide?
If you still need nitrous oxide after trying other options, consider using it with steps to enhance your body's methylation cycle. Prioritize supplements, talk openly with your healthcare provider, and keep trying stress-reduction methods.†
Seeking Health Nitrous Oxide Support Supplements†
Support your body’s healthy responses if you still need nitrous oxide or are exposed to it “second hand” as a healthcare professional! We offer several formulations to support healthy methylation, detoxification, and stress. Giving your body the best opportunity to stay healthy helps it cope with the potentially damaging chemicals we may encounter daily!†
Methyl B12 with L-Methylfolate supports healthy methylation, homocysteine regulation, and energy production. It provides methylfolate and active B12, which can bypass the MTHFR gene to support methylation pathways for those with genetic mutations.†
Liposomal Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant-like support formula. Each serving provides 100 mg of reduced glutathione packaged in soy-free liposomes to enhance absorption and delivery.†
Lithium Orotate provides a low serving of lithium (5 mg per capsule). This type of lithium is attached to the natural compound orotic acid for optimal bioavailability and efficient absorption. It supports a healthy mood, memory, and neurotransmitter balance in the brain.†
Adrenal Cortex is a powerful adrenal support supplement. It provides support for healthy energy and a normal stress response for optimal well-being. This glandular adrenal supplement contains freeze-dried adrenal cortex. Freeze-drying preserves the freshness and biological activity of the hormone cortisol.†
Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen formula. Each vegan-friendly capsule contains over 400 mg of ashwagandha root extract to support feelings of calm and stress resilience.†
The Bottom Line
Nitrous oxide offers quick benefits. But, its long-term risks are worrying, especially for vulnerable groups. It's important to reconsider its use.
With the right knowledge and tools, you can make smart choices to manage your anxiety and health.
It's not only about avoiding nitrous oxide. It's also about finding healthier, more sustainable ways to manage stress and pain.
Take control of your health the right way.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29744381/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33297303/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9728858/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/79709/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18580170/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7194594/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441923/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532922/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33688340/
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.