Lithium as Lithium Orotate
Also known as: Lithium orotate, LiOr
Overview
Lithium orotate is a compound formed by combining lithium with orotic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. It is synthesized for use as a dietary supplement and is proposed as an alternative to prescription lithium for mood stabilization. However, its efficacy and safety in humans are not well-established, and most research is based on animal models. Lithium orotate is suggested to have better bioavailability and potentially lower toxicity compared to lithium carbonate. It is available in dietary supplement form, typically at lower doses than prescription lithium. The quality of available evidence is limited, with a need for robust human clinical trials to validate its benefits and safety.
Benefits
Animal studies suggest that lithium orotate may be more potent and effective than lithium carbonate at lower doses, potentially reducing side effects. However, there is no clear evidence supporting its use for mood stabilization in humans. No specific population benefits have been established. While animal studies show significant effects, human data is lacking, making it difficult to determine the effect sizes and clinical significance in humans. The time course of benefits is also unknown due to the lack of human studies. More research is needed to confirm these potential benefits in humans.
How it works
Lithium orotate is proposed to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than lithium carbonate, potentially allowing for lower doses. It may interact with neurotransmitter systems to stabilize mood. However, the exact molecular targets and mechanisms of action are not well-defined. It is suggested to have better absorption properties than lithium carbonate, which could contribute to its potential for use at lower doses. Further research is needed to fully elucidate its mechanism of action in humans.
Side effects
Due to the limited human studies, the overall safety assessment of lithium orotate is still uncertain. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are largely unknown. Potential interactions with other medications are also not well-studied. It should not be used without consulting a healthcare provider, especially if taking prescription lithium. Use in pregnant women, children, or those with kidney disease should be approached with caution. More comprehensive research is needed to fully understand the safety profile and potential adverse effects of lithium orotate in humans.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of lithium orotate is unknown in humans; animal studies suggest 1.5 mg/kg. Optimal dosage ranges are not established, but it is typically found in supplements at doses much lower than prescription lithium (e.g., 10 mg per pill). The maximum safe dose is also not established. Timing considerations are unknown. Lithium orotate is often used in dietary supplements and is proposed to have better absorption than lithium carbonate. More research is needed to determine appropriate dosage guidelines and safety thresholds for human use.
FAQs
Should I use lithium orotate as a replacement for prescription lithium?
No, lithium orotate should not be used as a replacement for prescription lithium without consulting a healthcare provider. The efficacy and safety of lithium orotate in humans are not well-established.
Is lithium orotate safer than prescription lithium?
Lithium orotate has the potential for reduced toxicity compared to lithium carbonate, but human data is lacking. More research is needed to confirm its safety profile in humans.
What are the expected results from taking lithium orotate?
The expected results from taking lithium orotate are uncertain due to the lack of human studies. Animal studies suggest potential benefits, but these have not been confirmed in humans.
Is lithium orotate proven to be safer or more effective than prescription lithium in humans?
No, it is not proven to be safer or more effective than prescription lithium in humans. More rigorous human trials are needed to validate its benefits and safety.
Research Sources
- https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.01.490227v1.full-text – This animal study on mice found that lithium orotate showed superior efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to lithium carbonate over a 14-day period. The findings suggest potential benefits of lithium orotate, but it's important to note that the results are from an animal model and lack human relevance.
- https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/ask-the-doc/should-i-try-natural-lithium/ – This resource discusses the potential of lithium orotate as a safer alternative to lithium carbonate. It emphasizes the lack of clear evidence supporting lithium orotate's effectiveness in humans, highlighting the need for rigorous human trials to validate its benefits and safety.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/brb3.2262 – This review discusses the potential of lithium orotate as a safer alternative to lithium carbonate. The review is theoretical and based on limited evidence, highlighting the need for further research to validate its potential benefits and safety.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37069469/ – This study investigates the effects of low-dose lithium orotate on behavioral and molecular changes in a mouse model of mania. The results suggest that lithium orotate may have therapeutic potential for managing manic symptoms, but further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32716281/ – This study examines the neuroprotective effects of lithium orotate in a rat model of traumatic brain injury. The findings indicate that lithium orotate may reduce brain damage and improve neurological outcomes after TBI, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain injuries.