PL-LITHIUM OROTATE

Lithium orotate is non-prescription, and available over-the-counter like many other nutritional supplements. It is considered safe, even by the FDA, and we have not seen any problems arise when used in the recommended doses.

Lithium is a mineral that has completely unique properties in terms of how it works in the brain and its impact on mood. Virtually all prescription psychiatric drugs work on the neurotransmitters, either by interacting with the receptors on the outside of the cell (the cell membrane), or by increasing the amount of a certain brain chemical like serotonin or dopamine. Lithium is able to get inside the brain cells (the neurons), affecting the inner workings of the cell itself in ways that can greatly benefit mood. Even the micro doses in lithium orotate may help calm brain activity, promote a positive mood, support emotional wellness and the brain’s natural detoxification process, provide antioxidant support, and promote the natural balance of brain neurotransmitters. 

Benefits of Lithium Orotate

• Promotes a positive mental outlook
• Supports detoxification enzymes in the brain
• Boosts neurotransmitter activity

Lithium Deficiency

Lithium deficiency in certain insulin-sensitive tissues may be associated with blood sugar imbalance. Low levels have been found in children with developmental delay, and individuals with attention deficit, nervousness, lack of focus, or lack of sleep.

Lithium 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 (i.e., stress).

Lithium orotate might also be considered when the mood is unstable, for example in someone who has a lot of irritability, agitation, or frequent mood swings. And also in people who had previously gotten relief from medications, but where they’ve become less effective over time. It appears to be a helpful adjunct to medications, often helping them work better again after they’ve “pooped out.”

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. In effective doses, lithium reduces neurological deficits. In animal models, lithium was also found to promote increased cytoprotective B-cell activity. Research has also found using lithium, in a long-term low-dose support, promotes healthy brain aging.

Lithium for Brain Detoxification Support

Research has also shown lithium to support the brain’s natural detoxification process. It has shown potential as a neuroprotective agent against Aluminum-induced oxidative stress and shows promise to protect the brain against free radical damage. In animal models, lithium increased intracellular glutathione levels and reduced oxygen metabolite damage, suggesting that it selectively boosts glutathione-dependent enzymes to protect against free radical stress.

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 Side Effects

Lithium Orotate is thought to be a safe, inexpensive, and often surprisingly helpful adjunct to other treatments, whether those are medications or natural therapies.