Lithium has been used for many years for treating mental illnesses like bipolar disorder. Although commonly called lithium, this element must actually be combined with another element or compound in order to be used by your body. In its carbonate form, it is available only through prescription. However, other salt forms like aspartate and orotate are less potent and are available online or in health food stores. Talk to your doctor before trying any lithium product, as it can have potential side effects.
Lithium
Lithium is, according to the periodic table of elements, an alkali metal that is found naturally in brines, or salts. It is widely distributed but not found in nature in its free form. As an organic mineral, lithium is essential for life, states the Guyer Institute. It functions in your body much like magnesium or zinc, which are essential for a variety of biochemical processes. The site states that low levels of lithium may lead to fatigue and other types of chronic illness.
Orotic Acid
According to Ray Sahelian, M.D., lithium is attached to an orotate ion to form lithium orotate. Lithium must be attached to another substance to be transported through the body. Orotate, or orotic acid, is actually vitamin B13, states the Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide. Mineral orotates are easily absorbed and utilized by the body where they can be transported from the digestive system and into the bloodstream by orotate salts. Lithium separates from orotate once the compound hits the bloodstream, allowing it to perform its actions.
Lithium Orotate Research
Much of the research performed on lithium orotate occurred in the 1970s and 80s. Because lithium orotate still provides you with elemental lithium, it was theorized to work similarly to lithium carbonate. However, little clinical data exists to prove that theory. The journal "Alcohol" published a study in 1986 that treated alcoholic patients with lithium orotate to discover whether or not it has beneficial effects. According to the results, lithium orotate "proved useful as the main pharmacologic agent for the treatment of alcoholism." Ten of the patients had no relapse for over three and up to 10 years, and it was considered a safe therapy with few side effects. Despite these findings, lithium orotate should not be used as a cure or as the sole treatment for alcoholism. Talk to your doctor before trying lithium orotate.
Aspartic Acid
Lithium can also be attached to aspartic acid, creating lithium aspartate. Aspartic acid is an important component in all living things, as it participates in the synthesis of proteins, states the Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide. It may have excitatory effects in the brain, potentially providing more energy and endurance. In addition, aspartic acid may also help improve the function of the immune system, and may play a role in protecting against toxins and neural and brain disorders.
Lithium Aspartate
According to the Guyer Institute, lithium aspartate is available over the counter, and is a lower dose form of lithium carbonate. While lithium carbonate can contain approximately 100mg of elemental lithium, lithium aspartate typically only contains 5mg. At low doses of lithium, side effects are rare, and a person may still experience relief from fatigue and mood improvement. Few studies prove lithium aspartate's effects, however. Despite the lack of clinical evidence, it is still available and recommended by physicians for specific symptoms.
References
- Periodic Table: The Element Lithium
- Ray Sahelian M.D.: Lithium Orotate
- "Alcohol"; Lithium orotate in the treatment of alcoholism and related conditions; HE Sartori; Mar-April 1986
- Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide: Orotic Acid
- Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide: Aspartic Acid
- Guyer Institute: Lithium Aspartate
