Lithium Orotate is a trace mineral that helps to boost and balance mood. Studies show it also helps promote mental focus and may improve memory. It is easily absorbed and is 20 times more bioactive than other lithium salts, thereby allowing the individual to take smaller amounts. When salts of lithium are ingested, the lithium ions interact with several neurotransmitters and receptors in the central nervous system, resulting in decreased norepinephrine release and increased serotonin synthesis. (Prothera®, Inc. 2015 Patient Catalog)
Additional comments about Lithium Orotate:
For most of us, when we think about lithium, we might think about high dose pharmacological uses (Lithium carbonate) for individuals suffering from bipolar disorder, or we might think about lithium batteries. It’s unlikely that it comes to mind as a nutritional supplement that may promote better health for us.
Lithium itself is not a drug but an element that is found in the earth and in the human body. It is one of the top 15 elements found in the earth.[i] It is mined from the earth and found in both salt and fresh water. It is present in all organs and tissues in the body with similar chemical properties to that of calcium, potassium and magnesium and is now considered by many integrative health practitioners to be an essential micronutrient. According to Alice R. Laule, M.D., author of the book Lithium, “lithium has important functions in the brain, including protecting brain cells from various toxins and reducing the ill effects of certain excitatory neurotransmitters which are harmful in large amounts”. Lithium has been discovered to produce profound improvement of immune function by increasing granulocytes, monocytes, natural killer T-cells and immunoglobulins, all components of our white blood cells.[ii]
The supplemental form, called lithium orotate, is the lithium salt of orotic acid. It is a mineral salt which crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily than the pharmaceutical lithium carbonate. As a result it is highly bioavailable and can be used in much lower doses with good results and no side effects. Medical doctors have used lithium orotate in doses 80-90% lower than the pharmaceutical lithium carbonate to treat clinical depression with at least 50-70% of the patients showing fair to good response.[iii]
Ward Dean, M.D., author of “The Unique Safe Mineral with Multiple Uses” states that “Lithium orotate has also been successfully used in alleviating discomfort from migraine and cluster headaches, improving low white blood cell counts, juvenile convulsive disease, alcoholism and liver disorders”. He considers lithium orotate to be extremely safe, with no known adverse side effects or drug interactions.
According to an article written by Dr. Edward Group:
- Harvard Medical School has analyzed over 30 human meta-analysis studies and has determined that lithium reduces the rate and risk of suicide attempts by 80-90% in patients with major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. In fact, the overall risk of suicides was five times less among lithium-treated subjects compared with individuals not treated with lithium.
- A study from Texas analyzed 27 state counties between the years of 1978-1987. It was discovered that the incidence of suicide, homicide, rape, drug abuse, and felonious acts were about 50% lower in the 27 counties with lithium-containing drinking water. The water had lithium levels ranging from 70-170 micrograms/L. Additionally, the study found a significant reduction in drug-related arrests within the same time period and locations.
- Lithium has been reported to be beneficial in animal models of brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury, and other conditions. A recent clinical trial suggests that lithium stops the progression of ALS. The stimulation of endogenous neural stem cells may explain why lithium increases brain cell density and volume in patients with bipolar disorders.
The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and this nutrient is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
[i] http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/lithium.aspx [ii] Veteran Suicide Breakthrough: Revealing the Breakthrough Mineral for Suicide Prevention, PTSD and Depression ‘They Definitely’Don’t Want You to Know About”, an e-book by Dr. Mark Millar [iii] Veteran Suicide Breakthrough: Revealing the Breakthrough Mineral for Suicide Prevention, PTSD and Depression ‘They Definitely’Don’t Want You to Know About”, an e-book by Dr. Mark Millarhttp://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/is-lithium-orotate-good-or-bad-for-you/