For millennia, lithium has been referred to as the “feel-good” nutrient. Lithium is a trace mineral known to support cognitive function, neurological health, and a positive mood. It is found in small amounts in all life. Trace amounts of lithium are found in soil, with certain regions having more than others. Icelandic geothermal water is known to have a higher lithium content. In fact, Icelandic people are reported to display happier moods across the population.†
Mineral waters high in lithium have been used historically to support a calm and positive mood. In fact, the soda 7UP® was originally a lithiated beverage advertised to “get the ouch out of grouch” and “fresh-up and keep smiling.” The number 7 was used to reflect the atomic weight of lithium, which is 6.941 rounded up to 7.†
Research has confirmed a multitude of positive brain effects when levels of lithium are kept in a healthy range. Many people are only familiar with the use of lithium carbonate, lithium citrate, or lithium chloride. These forms of lithium treatment are often used in psychiatry at high doses of 300 to 600 mg, taken multiple times per day. In stark contrast, lithium orotate is used only as a nutrient support dietary supplement. Its suggested use is 5 mg per day. While all forms of lithium contain the same mineral, they are attached to different salts. The various lithium salts affect and travel to different tissues in the body. Lithium orotate is known to pass through the blood-brain barrier, where it supports cognitive health and a positive mood.†
Lithium orotate is a natural substance consisting of lithium (an alkali metal) and orotic acid, a transport carrier for lithium that supports increased bioavailability.†
Lithium orotate works by by supporting neurotransmitter balance in the brain. Healthy lithium levels have been associated with higher GABA levels and lower glutamate levels.†
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a calming neurotransmitter. You feel calm when brain levels of GABA are within a normal range. Glutamate is a known excitatory compound in the brain. While glutamate excites the brain’s neurons, GABA calms neuronal activity. A level-headed mood and relaxed mental state are supported when glutamate and GABA levels are normalized. Beyond the calming effects of lithium, it appears that healthy levels also support gray matter growth and support natural detoxification in the brain.†
Lithium Orotate by Seeking Health provides 5 mg of elemental lithium (as lithium orotate) per vegetarian capsule. If you’re seeking the benefits of lithium in a safe, low serving size, talk to your healthcare team about Lithium Orotate by Seeking Health.†