Lithium orotate and L-tyrosine are nutritional supplements that are purported to be effective in treating bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition characterized by rapid fluctuations between depression and mania. The National Institutes of Mental Health explains that approximately half of all individuals with bipolar disorder will manifest symptoms before the age of 25. Treatment for bipolar disorder generally includes mood stabilizing medications, which may be combined with other medications. Nutritional supplements may also help, however they should be used with the supervision of your physician.
Lithium Orotate
The prescription medication lithium, in contrast to the supplement lithium orotate, is generally administered in high doses in order to stabilize mood. A 2008 article published in the "Nutrition Journal" explains that higher dosages of prescription lithium are associated with higher risks of adverse side effects. Smaller amounts of the supplement lithium orotate are required than its prescription counterpart, because lithium orotate crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently. The effectiveness of lithium orotate was supported in a 1986 study published in "Alcohol," which found individuals with alcoholism experienced significant relief of symptoms with lithium orotate administration.
L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine, also known as tyrosine, is an amino acid that is a precursor of phenylalanine in your body. Tyrosine and phenylalanine are both used in the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and epinephrine. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that tyrosine is used to treat high stress levels and insomnia; however, research to support these uses is mixed. Tyrosine is also suggested as a treatment for depression, because it is used to produce dopamine and because individuals experiencing depression have been found to have low levels of tyrosine in their bodies.
Research Regarding Lithium Orotate and L-Tyrosine
Although some medical professionals, such as Dr. Ray Sahelian, support the administration of lithium orotate for bipolar disorder, research does not directly support this use. Tyrosine levels, according to a 2005 study published in the "American Journal of Medical Genetics," are not associated with the incidence of bipolar disorder. No research studies have found any direct association or effect of either lithium orotate or L-tyrosine for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Considerations
Although both supplements are considered safe, according to a 2008 article published in the "Nutritional Journal" and the University of Maryland Medical Center, any supplement can interact with medical conditions or prescription medications. Lithium orotate, in particular, can interact with prescription lithium and can lead to toxicity or mood destabilization. Tyrosine can cause an unwanted interaction with some anti-depressant medications as well as medications used to treat thyroid disease. Supplements should only be used with the approval of your doctor.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
- Nutritional Journal; Nutritional Therapies for Mental Disorders; Shaheen E. Lakhan, et al.
- Alcohol; Lithium Orotate in the Treatment of Alcoholism and Related Conditions; H.E. Sartori
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tyrosine
- American Journal of Medical Genetics; Lack of Association Between Bipolar Affective Disorder and Tyrisone Hydroxylase DNA Marker; Yasuhiro Inayama, et al.
- Rysahelian.com: Lithium Supplement, Orotate, Dosage, Safety, Side Effects Information
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