Lithium (Trace)

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Lithium
- Trace Lithium
- Low-Dose Lithium
- Nutritional Lithium

Latin Name: Li (chemical symbol)

Category: Mineral

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Mineral springs containing lithium were historically visited for "nervous conditions" and mood disorders - Europe and Americas, 19th century
• Lithia water (lithium-containing spring water) was marketed as a health tonic - United States, late 1800s to early 1900s
• Incorporated into early soft drinks (7-Up originally contained lithium citrate until 1948)

Modern Uses

• Mood Support - May help maintain emotional balance and stress resilience | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: Epidemiological studies have associated higher natural lithium levels in drinking water with lower rates of mood disorders and aggressive behavior in communities

• Source citations: General knowledge, population studies

• Cognitive Support - May support brain health and neuroprotection | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Low-dose lithium has shown potential neuroprotective effects in animal studies; may support brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inhibit glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3)

• Source citations: General knowledge

• Stress Response - May help modulate stress response pathways | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Lithium affects multiple neurotransmitter systems and may help regulate stress hormones at trace doses
• Source citations: General knowledge

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Lithium ion (Li+) - The bioactive form; interacts with multiple cellular signaling pathways including inositol phosphate signaling and GSK-3 enzyme activity
- Orotate or aspartate carriers - Enhance absorption and cellular uptake in supplemental forms

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Lithium orotate or lithium aspartate capsules/tablets
- Amount: 5-10mg elemental lithium per day (equivalent to approximately 120-240mg lithium orotate)
- Frequency: Once daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Lithium orotate capsules
- Amount: 10-20mg elemental lithium per day
- Purpose: Enhanced mood support
- Duration: Can be used long-term with periodic breaks

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: 20mg elemental lithium for supplemental use
- Warning threshold: Do not exceed without healthcare supervision; higher doses enter pharmaceutical territory requiring monitoring

Bioavailability Notes:
- Lithium orotate is believed to have higher cellular uptake than lithium carbonate (pharmaceutical form)
- Lithium aspartate offers similar enhanced bioavailability
- Absorbed readily from the gastrointestinal tract
- Crosses the blood-brain barrier

How to Take It

Timing:
- Best time of day: Morning or evening with consistency
- With food or on empty stomach: Take with food to minimize any gastric discomfort
- Specific timing notes: Maintain consistent timing to support stable levels; adequate hydration is important

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Both support brain health and mood | Combined neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects
2. B Vitamins (especially B12 and Folate) - Support neurotransmitter synthesis | May enhance mood-supporting effects; note that folic acid has been shown to enhance lithium's prophylactic effects
3. Magnesium - Both support nervous system function | Complementary calming effects

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Iodine/Kelp/Bladderwrack - Lithium may affect thyroid function | May compound thyroid-suppressing effects | Severity: Moderate

Drug Interactions:
1. Diuretics (Thiazide, Loop) - Reduce lithium excretion | Can increase lithium levels in body even at trace doses | Severity: Moderate
2. NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen) - Reduce lithium clearance | May elevate lithium levels | Severity: Moderate
3. ACE Inhibitors - Decrease lithium excretion | Can increase lithium accumulation | Severity: Moderate
4. SSRIs and other psychiatric medications - Combined neurological effects | Consult healthcare provider before combining | Severity: Moderate

Food Interactions:
- High sodium intake: May increase lithium excretion
- Caffeine: May lower lithium levels; sudden caffeine reduction may increase lithium levels
- Maintain consistent sodium and fluid intake for stable lithium levels

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Kidney disease or impaired renal function
- Significant cardiovascular disease
- Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, goiter)
- Dehydration conditions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (consult healthcare provider)
- Those taking pharmaceutical lithium

Side Effects:
- Common at trace doses: Generally well-tolerated; mild thirst, increased urination
- Rare: Mild tremor, mild gastrointestinal upset
- Note: Side effects are far less common at trace doses compared to pharmaceutical doses

Long-Term Use:
- Trace doses (under 20mg elemental) are generally considered safe for extended use
- Periodic breaks (e.g., 1 week off every 2-3 months) may be prudent
- Those using long-term may consider occasional thyroid and kidney function checks, especially if over 40 or with risk factors

Special Precautions:
- Discontinue 1 week before surgery due to interactions with anesthesia
- Pregnancy: Not recommended without medical supervision
- Elderly: Start with lower doses; may be more sensitive to effects
- Ensure adequate hydration, especially in hot weather or during exercise

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Mood support, emotional balance, stress resilience

Secondary: Cognitive support, neuroprotection, overall brain health maintenance

Sources

Local Library:
- Gaby, A. - Drug-nutrient interaction guide (lithium interactions with folic acid, inositol, sodium, caffeine)
- WRCHM Herb-Drug-Nutrient Interaction guide - Herb interactions with pharmaceutical lithium (diuretic herbs affecting lithium excretion)

General Knowledge:
- Epidemiological studies on lithium in water supplies and population mental health
- Pharmacology of lithium ion and cellular signaling pathways
- Nutritional and supplemental lithium orotate/aspartate research