Exploring the Potential of Lithium Orotate
BlogIn the quest for holistic wellness, lithium orotate has emerged as a compelling supplement, garnering attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in the realm of mental well-being.
What is Lithium Orotate?
Lithium orotate is a nutritional supplement form of lithium, used in micro doses much like zinc or selenium. Most people, when they hear “lithium,” think of the medication used to treat bipolar disorder. That is available only by prescription, and is a different form of lithium called lithium carbonate. It is used in much, much higher doses, in the range of 1000 mg per day, vs. 10-20 mg per day of lithium orotate.
Lithium is a natural mood stabilizer that’s been linked to greater sociability, happier mood, enhanced emotional stability among teens and adults, and better memory and cognition in the elderly. Featuring ultra-pure, low-dose lithium, our Lithium Orotate supplement harnesses the power of this natural element to help bring you back to center when you’re feeling off-balance.
Chemistry
Lithium orotate is the commercially available monohydrate salt of the metal lithium and orotic acid. Based on the degree of ionization of the different salt forms, with an orotate salt in general being less ionisable and more bioavailable than a gluconate salt, earlier studies suggest that the orotate form is able to cross the blood-brain barrier more easily than the carbonate form.
Health Benefits of Lithium Orotate:
- Stress Reduction: Lithium orotate may help mitigate the effects of stress on the body and mind. By modulating neurotransmitter levels and promoting a sense of calmness, it may assist individuals in coping with everyday stressors and promoting resilience in the face of adversity.
- Cognitive Support: Emerging research suggests that lithium may have cognitive-enhancing effects, potentially improving memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. While more studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these effects, some individuals use lithium orotate as a natural nootropic to support mental clarity and sharpness.
- Neuroprotective Effects: Studies have suggested that lithium may have neuroprotective properties, meaning it can help protect brain cells from damage and degeneration. This has implications for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, where preserving cognitive function is of paramount importance.
- Mood Regulation: Lithium, in various forms, is renowned for its mood-stabilizing properties. Lithium orotate may help regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain, leading to more stable moods and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some individuals report feeling calmer and more balanced after incorporating lithium orotate into their daily routine.
- Potential Longevity Benefits: Some researchers speculate that lithium’s ability to modulate cellular processes and reduce inflammation may contribute to longevity and overall well-being. While more research is needed to substantiate these claims, lithium orotate represents a fascinating avenue for exploring the intersection of mental health and aging.
Benefits of Lithium Orotate
- Promotes a positive mental outlook
- Supports detoxification enzymes in the brain
- Boosts neurotransmitter activity
Lithium Orotate Dosage
It’s common for adults to start with 5-10 mg daily for the first week or two, and then increase to 10-20 mg daily if needed and well-tolerated. Side effects are fairly uncommon at these low doses, though occasionally it seems to cause slight sedation. If so, it’s common to move the full dose to bedtime.
Lithium orotate can also be utilized in children and teens with ADHD, Autism, DMDD, or depression who experience emotionally reactive, angry, and aggressive behaviors. It’s common to typically start with a 2.5 – 5 mg dose in a liquid or tablet form, for 1-2 weeks and then titrate up the dose every 1-2 weeks until target symptoms show improvement, to a maximum dose of around 20 mg daily.
Lithium Orotate for Neurotransmitter and Mood Support
Lithium orotate might be most helpful when there is a clear genetic piece to one’s mood problems. That means someone with a strong family history of mood problems might benefit most, or when their own problems began very early in life, especially if the condition recurs even when there are no obvious triggers for it.
So, how does it work to support mood? Lithium is thought to help regulate the neurotransmitter glutamate by keeping the amount of glutamate between brain cells at a stable, healthy level to support healthy brain function. The mineral has been shown to be neuroprotective and to prevent neuronal cell death from free radical stress, effectively protecting neurons from glutamate-induced, NMDA receptor-mediated free radical damage in animals.
Summary
Lithium orotate offers a promising natural approach to supporting mental wellness and cognitive function. From mood regulation and stress reduction to potential neuroprotective effects, this compound holds significant potential for enhancing overall quality of life.