Although I've no bipolar or alcoholism issues, I've used a low dose of lithium orotate for several years for stress management and better cognitive function with no side effects.

This story does not include health advice. It is for information, inspiration, and awareness purposes.

Photo byNational Cancer InstituteonUnsplash

In this story, I offer an overview of lithium, particularly in its orotate form, distilling my decades of research in cognitive science findings with ups and downs, sharing personal insights based on experimentation, and exploring why I optimistically believe lithium orotate might save lives by examining its nuances, advantages, and disadvantages.

I share insights into bipolar disorder and lithium orotate’s significance and potential applications by explaining its intricacies and providing a balanced and informed perspective based on research, observations, and personal experience.

Back in 1986, my journey with lithium orotate began unexpectedly. It was a time of shared struggles and aspirations as I supported a close friend battling alcoholism while navigating the challenges of our undergraduate studies together as flatmates.

Little did I know then that this encounter would spark inspiration and profound exploration into the brain, cognitive function, and mental health, revealing insights that would shape my scientific and professional understanding for years to come.

Receiving a thought-provoking scientific paper from my supervisors sparked a profound interest in exploring the intricacies of this unique molecule in subsequent years, driven by compelling reasons.

My curiosity, initially kindled by alcoholism, soon shifted towards understanding the complexities of bipolar disorder.

As I pursued studies in cognitive science, I encountered collaborative scientists and mental health professionals who shared my profound fascination with lithium, encouraging intense discussions and deepening my exploration of its potential applications and implications, increasing my curiosity, hope, and optimism.

Brief Historical Background for Therapeutic Use of Lithium

A growing body of knowledge documented the historical use of lithium by mental health professionals. Lithium salts have a history of therapeutic use spanning 74 years.

They were introduced by Australian Dr John Cade (the man) in 1949 and later by my favorite Professor Samuel Gershon in 1960. They have become a cornerstone in treating bipolar disorder, particularly in managing mania and preventing mood disturbances.

In 2000, a scientific paper published in the Journal of Bacteriology designated lithium as the preferred medication for treating bipolar disorder.

The researchers suggested that pinpointing an in vivo lithium target in fission yeast, utilized as a model organism, could advance comprehension of lithium therapy and its mechanisms of action. Their research identified the beneficial and toxic effects of lithium treatment.

Initially used for conditions like gout and insomnia in the 19th century, lithium’s potential in treating psychiatric disorders was underscored by John Cade and Mogens Schou.

Its molecular targets, including glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and certain phosphomonoesterases, play crucial roles in regulating mood and brain function, enhancing its efficacy in managing bipolar disorder.

The phosphoinositides (PIs) function as efficient and finely tuned switches that control the assembly-disassembly cycles of complex molecular types of machinery with critical roles in membrane trafficking. PI-Cycle dysfunction is one of the causal factors for bipolar disorders.

Lithium functions through various mechanisms, such as antagonizing GSK3β (Glycogen synthase kinase) and IMPase (inositol monophosphatase), key brain enzymes. By displacing magnesium, lithium inhibits these enzymes, impacting mood regulation.

Moreover, emerging evidence suggests lithium’s potential anti-inflammatory effects, further aiding in alleviating bipolar disorder symptoms. I explained neuroinflammation in a previous article.

However, while lithium’s efficacy is evident, the exact mechanisms underlying its therapeutic action in bipolar disorder remain incompletely understood. I illustrated a global scientific understanding of traditional lithium therapy based on various hypotheses in a diagram.

Photo byThe image is owned by the author.

An Overview of Bipolar Disorder and Lithium Use

Bipolar disorder is a severe condition, with many sufferers experiencing suicidal tendencies. This review paper explored lithium orotate's history, effectiveness, mechanisms, side effects, and prospects for treating bipolar disorder.

As documented in this NIH book,

Bipolar disorder is often difficult to recognize because symptoms overlap with other psychiatric disorders, psychiatric and somatic comorbidity is common, and patients may lack insight into their conditions, particularly hypomania.

The book informs that treatment involves pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions, but mood relapse and incomplete response occur, particularly with depression.

“Continual reevaluation and treatment modification are commonly required during the long-term care of these patients. Management of comorbid psychiatric and chronic medical conditions may also be necessary. This activity provides an overview of the etiology, classification, evaluation, and management of bipolar affective disorder.”

As highlighted by the researchers of this review,

Bipolar disorder poses a significant public health concern, with roughly one-quarter of sufferers attempting suicide. Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic and depressive mood cycles, the recurrence of which can be effectively curtailed through lithium therapy.

Researchers pointed out:

Lithium therapy effectively manages the mood swings characteristic of bipolar disorder. But its commonly used form, lithium carbonate, can lead to various health issues over time, from minor inconveniences to severe complications like hypothyroidism and renal problems. Patient compliance may suffer due to these side effects, highlighting the need for a less toxic alternative.

In the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, a paper titled Lithium in unipolar depression and the prevention of suicide concluded:

“The massive evidence showing a reduction in morbidity on lithium treatment suggests that systematic long-term lithium treatment of unipolar depression could considerably lower the suicide rate.”

Another paper, after three years in the same journal, summarized

“Available evidence and clinical considerations regarding the use of lithium augmentation in acute and maintenance treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression.”

This placebo-controlled study published in the Biological Trace Element Research investigated the effects of nutritional lithium supplementation on the mood of former drug users and has concluded that:

“Lithium at the dosages chosen had a mood-improving and stabilizing effect.”

A follow-up study in 2016 previously showing the inverse association between lithium in drinking water and male suicide on Kyushu Island confirmed that

“Trace lithium was inversely associated with male suicide after adjustment of climatic factors.”

A 2019 epidemiological study on Biological Trace Element Research informs that:

“Lithium compounds have been widely used in psychopharmacology, particularly in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Their normothymic and neuroprotective properties, when used at high doses, have been well established.”

The paper also points out that

“A number of observations suggest that environmentally relevant lithium doses may also exert beneficial health effects, leading to a decrease in the rate of suicides and levels of violence.”

I was fascinated by lithium, particularly orotate, due to its purported ability to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than lithium carbonate via sodium transporters such as the sodium‐hydrogen antiporter, potentially enabling lower doses and reduced toxicity.

Despite being overlooked mainly since the late 1970s, lithium orotate emerged as a potential solution. However, a pivotal study in 1986 provided hope and spurred additional research in this area.

My Admiration for Lithium Orotate in 1986

While helping an alcoholic friend, one of my research supervisors shared an outstanding paper with me.

This 1986 study included 42 alcoholic patients (33 males, 9 females) treated with lithium orotate for at least six months in an alcohol rehabilitation program.

Out of 105 initially treated patients, 42 were studied, while the rest discontinued treatment within six months. Data were collected from private practice records, with follow-ups ranging from six months to 10 years. Patients experienced various complaints, including liver dysfunction, seizures, headaches, hyperthyroidism, and affective disorders.

Thirty-six patients had been hospitalized for alcoholism management. Lithium orotate, 150 mg daily, was administered alongside dietary changes and supplementary treatments for specific conditions.

Results showed lithium orotate effectively treated alcoholism, with some patients remaining sober for up to 10 years. Adverse effects were minor, including muscle weakness and loss of appetite.

Patients also experienced improvements in liver and cardiovascular functions, migraine headaches, Meniere’s symptoms, and seizures. Moreover, patients with leukopenia, liver cirrhosis, lung cancer, and hyperthyroidism showed improvements without manic episodes during treatment.

This study left a lasting impression on me, sparking my curiosity and prompting further investigation into lithium orotate despite not showing signs of bipolar disorder or alcoholism myself. I want to share an overview of my research to give you historical background and a context on why I believe lithium orotate might bring hope and save lives.

Why might lithium orotate be a superior option for lithium therapy?

In 1973, Hans Nieper discovered that lithium orotate contains less elemental lithium than lithium carbonate. He believed that lithium orotate releases lithium in the brain after passing through the blood-brain barrier.

However, a study in 1976 found no significant difference in brain lithium levels between lithium orotate, lithium carbonate, or lithium chloride.

Another study in 1978 showed:

Lithium orotate might lead to higher brain lithium levels compared to lithium carbonate, suggesting it could be more effective at lower doses. However, further research suggested that the higher brain concentrations might be due to kidney function changes.

In 2022, this promising study found that lithium orotate might have a safer effect on the kidneys than lithium carbonate but could still increase TSH levels in females.

However, there’s limited research on how lithium orotate works in the human brain, and it hasn’t been widely studied since the 1980s. Despite this, some scientists believe lithium orotate might be effective even at lower doses.

Despite limited research, why do I believe lithium orotate is a superior form and might have a better therapeutic effect with fewer side effects? The short answer is the power of orotic acid.

As well-articulated in this 2021 scientific paper,

Orotic acid, initially discovered in whey in 1905, plays a crucial role in pyrimidine biosynthesis, aiding in the production of nucleotides like orotidine 5′-monophosphate (OMP). Beyond DNA/RNA synthesis, orotic acid may increase β-alanine and uridine levels, contributing to antioxidant effects and neuronal communication.

These properties suggest potential benefits for lithium orotate, particularly compared to lithium carbonate, although further research is needed to confirm these effects.

A silver lining occurred in 2023 by a study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research.

When I came across the paper titled “Different pharmacokinetics of lithium orotate inform why it is more potent, effective, and less toxic than lithium carbonate in a mouse model of mania,” I felt excited. I read it repeatedly and shared it with my colleagues to disseminate it within scientific communities.

I'd like to briefly summarize the research findings to give you an idea.

Lithium carbonate (LiCO) versus lithium orotate (LiOr)

The study compared lithium carbonate (LiCO) and lithium orotate (LiOr) in mice to see which one is better for treating bipolar disorder.

These Canadian researchers found that LiOr worked better at lower doses and caused fewer side effects than LiCO. As I expected, LiOr blocked bipolar-like behaviors in mice almost completely at doses as low as 1.5 mg/kg, while LiCO needed higher doses to have a similar effect.

Blocking specific pathways also stopped LiOr from working, confirming it gets absorbed differently than LiCO. Additionally, LiCO caused more side effects like increased thirst, kidney problems in males, and hormone changes in females, while LiOr did not.

So, the study suggests that LiOr could be a safer and more effective option for treating bipolar disorder compared to LiCO.

Here we go again. It felt like déjà vu to me.

Whenever innovative scientists find something that works, others stop it with tenuous understanding and discourage further research, and we lose decades. But some brave ones push the boundaries and bring hope.

Scientists, much like children, embody curiosity and fearlessness in trying new things. Yet, they also share a tendency to get easily offended, engage in disagreements, and reconcile just like children do.

My Personal Experience with Lithium Orotate

As an experimental scientist and mental health advocate, reflecting on my journey with lithium orotate, it’s important to note that I don’t exhibit symptoms of bipolar disorder.

However, the burden of excess work stress leaves me feeling overly excitable and occasionally impacts my mood and mental energy levels. I use it for stress management at lower doses, effectively promoting calmness and emotional regulation.

Upon discovering the potential efficacy of lithium orotate in managing chronic stress, I was drawn to explore its benefits further, spurred on by the wealth of anecdotes circulating within biohacking communities consisting of fellow experimental scientists.

Delving deeper into the scientific literature, I uncovered insights into lithium deficiency, which is prevalent in specific geographies and populations, where obtaining it from natural sources like food and water can be challenging due to its trace amounts.

Lithium exists in both animal and plant sources in tiny amounts.

Consulting trusted advisors within health communities solidified my decision to experiment with lithium orotate, especially considering its low dosage form and the reassuring absence of severe side effects reported in decades of use in the United States and Europe.

For example, the confirmation in this scientific paper reassures that

“There have been no reported cases of death or severe side effects in more than 40 years of lithium orotate use in the United States and Europe” reinforced my decision.

However, I remained cognizant of potential risks, particularly for elderly people with a history of kidney or thyroid issues, as well as those with an underlying susceptibility to lithium-induced complications.

Drawing from studies investigating its use in alcoholism treatment, which reported minor side effects at a daily dose of 150 mg over six months, I proceeded cautiously with a five-milligram dosage, mindful of lithium’s toxicity at higher levels.

Navigating the challenge of sourcing lithium orotate, I turned to reputable health shops in the US and explored its availability over the counter during my travels to many countries. I couldn’t find lithium orotate in some countries, but it was always easy to buy it in the US over the counter as marketed as a dietary supplement.

The initial impact of the supplement was profound, though subsequent doses yielded diminishing returns, prompting a personalized dosing regimen through trial and observation.

Over time, I discovered a weekly five-milligram dose as my optimal threshold, providing consistent mental clarity and stress management benefits.

Notably, the supplement’s role in neurotransmitter regulation and hormone balance has been transformative, mitigating extreme anger despite formidable challenges.

As years have passed, I’ve yet to encounter any discernible side effects, affirming lithium orotate’s enduring place in my mental health toolkit as a potent ally on my wellness journey.

My friend Elaine, with bipolar disorder, was the first to benefit from it in my circles. But later, I found many people used it effectively. The testimonials highlighted mood stabilization, brain defense, and stress reduction benefits. You may search the summary of the case study on Google titled "Here’s How Lithium Orotate Helped Elaine Defeat Bipolar Disorder."

Conclusions and Takeaways

As documented in this 2019 paper, the rising rates of suicides and mental disorders in developed countries underscore the urgent necessity for innovative preventive measures to safeguard mental health.

The author found that while some studies suggest that lithium intake, such as through drinking water, could potentially lower suicide rates, conclusive evidence is lacking in specific observations. Despite not being officially recognized as a micronutrient, some authors argue that lithium meets the criteria for this classification.

Based on current understanding in the science community, the direct introduction of lithium enrichment into food or drinking water as a general preventive measure against mental disorders, suicides, or violence cannot be unequivocally endorsed.

As documented in this paper,

Distinguished authors in the field have repeatedly alerted psychiatrists of the alarming trends in the treatment of bipolar disorders: the decline of lithium use, paralleled by the increase of prescribing anticonvulsants and second-generation antipsychotic drugs. Research has been conducted to explore the factors that led to this development and to provide arguments for the need to reverse this trend.

Like these caring scientists and clinicians, I believe that exploring lithium supplementation (especially orotate) in trace amounts warrants active investigation, considering the elevated suicide rates, epidemiological indications of protection from trace lithium doses, biological feasibility, and the comparative safety of low-dose lithium supplementation.

Understanding the role of trace minerals like lithium, particularly in small doses, depicts their potential importance for brain health. Lithium orotate emerges as a safe option, providing bioavailable levels of this essential mineral.

However, caution is warranted when self-supplementing with trace minerals, as exceeding the body’s threshold can lead to toxicity. It is crucial to consult qualified healthcare professionals before incorporating such supplements into one’s regimen.

Recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder, which can manifest as manic, depressive, or mood episodes, is paramount.

Manic episodes are characterized by heightened energy and detachment from reality, while depressive episodes exhibit low energy and diminished motivation. Mood episodes entail fluctuations over several days, with the risk of suicidal thoughts looming large.

Given the significant impact of mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, seeking support from qualified professionals is invaluable.

Specialized psychiatrists can conduct thorough assessments, considering symptoms and medical and family history, to devise timely treatment plans, including medication, psychotherapy, or a combination thereof.

Prioritizing mental health and seeking timely intervention can make a profound difference in managing these conditions and improving overall well-being.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

I wrote about many more molecules and supplements. One of my writing goals is to raise awareness about the causes and risk factors of prevalent diseases that can lead to suffering and death for a large portion of the population. I aim to educate, create awareness, and empower my readers to take control of their health and well-being.

To raise awareness about health issues, I have written several articles that present my holistic health findings from research, personal observations, and unique experiences.

If you found this story helpful, you may also check out my other articles on NewsBreak. As a postdoctoral researcher and executive consultant, I write about important life lessons based on my decades of research and experience in cognitive, metabolic, and mental health.

Related article on NewsBreak Original: Vitamin B12 Deficiency: It Is Now Considered a Silent Epidemic