The Mentaid Guide to
Lithium Orotate
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Ingredient Education
What Is Lithium Orotate?
Lithium is found in small amounts in:
- Groundwater
- Soil
- Certain vegetables and grains
In its elemental form, lithium is highly reactive and not suitable or
practical for use in supplements on its own.
To make it stable and digestible, it is combined with another molecule
to form a compound. In supplements, that compound is often lithium
orotate.
See these articles for more information:
Lithium is naturally present in trace amounts in the environment and
food sources.
Prescription vs Supplement
Isn't lithium a prescription medication?
Certain forms of lithium, such as lithium carbonate and lithium citrate, are used in prescription medications at significantly higher doses.
Lithium orotate is a dietary supplement ingredient that contains much smaller amounts of elemental lithium than what is found in prescription lithium.
Lithium orotate is not equivalent to prescription lithium products and is not intended to replace medical treatment.
Lithium Orotate vs Prescription Lithium: What's the Difference?
Safety
Is lithium orotate safe?
For healthy adults, low-dose lithium orotate is generally well tolerated
when used as directed.
Safety can depend on individual factors such as overall health status,
dose, and use of other medications.
See the "Things to Consider" section below for additional
guidance on special populations and medication use.
Dosage Explained
How Much Lithium is in 5mg of Lithium Orotate?
Lithium orotate is not 100% lithium.
Lithium orotate is approximately
3.8–4% elemental lithium by weight.
So, 5mg lithium orotate ≈ 0.2mg elemental lithium (200 micrograms)
Comparison: Lithium in Groundwater
Lithium occurs naturally in drinking water. Levels vary widely depending
on geography, however reported ranges are approximately
0.001–0.1mg per liter in many regions.
So a 5mg lithium orotate capsule is in the same general order of magnitude
as what may be consumed from certain natural water sources. This is
substantially lower than prescription lithium doses, which are measured
in hundreds of milligrams of elemental lithium per day.
If you're looking for a carefully formulated low-dose lithium supplement,
you can learn more about our Lithium Orotate formula
here.
Side Effects
Possible Side Effects of Lithium Orotate
At low doses found in supplements, side effects are uncommon but may include:
- Nausea or other gastrointestinal discomfort
- Increased thirst
- Headache
- Light dizziness
- Tremor
Higher lithium exposure, such as from taking more than suggested or from
taking prescription lithium medications, can cause more significant side
effects. Any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare
professional.
Other Considerations
Other Things to Consider
Lithium is processed by the kidneys, and overall hydration and kidney
health can influence how the body handles it.
Use caution and consult a healthcare professional before use if you:
- Have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
- Have thyroid disease or reduced thyroid function
- Take medications that significantly affect kidney function or fluid balance
- Are already taking a lithium product
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Should you take Lithium orotate in the morning or at night?