Adrenochrome Harvesting Theory
The adrenochrome story spread through QAnon circles, where believers claimed powerful people obtained the substance by abusing children.
The adrenochrome harvesting theory emerged in QAnon and related conspiracy communities, claiming that a global elite systematically tortures and kills children to harvest adrenochrome, a genuine but pharmacologically unremarkable chemical compound produced when adrenaline oxidizes. Proponents allege this substance provides psychoactive effects or life extension benefits when consumed.
Adrenochrome is a real chemical compound (C₉H₉NO₃) produced through the oxidation of epinephrine (adrenaline). It occurs naturally in the human body during stress responses and can be synthesized easily in laboratories for medical research purposes. The compound has been studied since the 1950s for potential links to schizophrenia and other mental health conditions, but no evidence supports claims of psychoactive or life-extending properties.
The conspiracy theory incorporates elements from earlier antisemitic blood libel accusations, which falsely claimed Jewish communities murdered Christian children for ritual purposes. Modern versions attribute similar practices to celebrities, politicians, and business leaders, often targeting the same individuals featured in other conspiracy theories about global elite cabals.
Proponents claim adrenochrome must be harvested from living subjects experiencing extreme terror to be effective, incorporating elements of “Pizzagate” and other child trafficking conspiracy theories. These claims have no basis in biochemistry, as synthetic adrenochrome is chemically identical to naturally occurring forms and can be produced without human sources.
Medical researchers note that adrenochrome causes oxidative stress and cellular damage rather than beneficial effects. The compound has been investigated as a potential contributor to mental illness through its toxic effects on brain tissue, contradicting claims about desirable properties that would motivate harvesting.
The theory has contributed to real-world violence and harassment, including attacks on pizza restaurants and threats against public figures falsely accused of participation in adrenochrome harvesting schemes.