Product name：Lithium Orotate 99%
Synonyms：orotic acid lithium salt monohydrate;
lithium,2,4-dioxo-1H-pyrimidine-6-carboxylate;4-Pyrimidinecarboxylic acid;1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-, lithium salt (1:1); C5H3LiN2O4Molecular Formula：C5H3LiN2O4
Molecular Weight：162.03
CAS Number：5266-20-6
Appearance/color：White to off-white crystalline powder
Benefits：Heathy mood and brain
Lithium orotate is a lithium compound popular among supplement users. There are already several lithium salts on the market, such as lithium aspartate, lithium carbonate, and lithium chloride, etc. Well, lithium orotate is the only nutritional lithium for dietary supplements, and users are able to buy lithium orotate capsules on amazon, Walmart, Vitamin shop freely without doctor’s prescription.
Therefore, why lithium orotate is so unique?
Before we come to the point, let’s review lithium orotate’s basic physical and chemical properties.
Raw material of lithum orotate (CAS number 5266-20-6), is in the form of white to off-white crystalline powder
Lithium Citrate is often in the form of Lithium Citrate Syrup in solution. Each 5 mL of Lithium Citrate Syrup containing 8 mEq of lithium ion (Li+), equivalent to the amount of lithium in 300 mg of lithium carbonate. The soft drink 7Up of Coca-Cola used to have Lithium Citrate in its formula, but Coca removed it from 7Up in 1948. Even until today, Lithium citrate is not used by other food or beverage brands.
Lithium orotate is a form of lithium, a mineral that occurs naturally in rocks and soil. Lithium orotate has low dosage requirements. Lithium orotate supplements contain much lower amounts of elemental lithium than lithium carbonate. This means users can experience the potential benefits of lithium without the risk of toxicity, which is an issue with the higher doses typically used in lithium carbonate prescriptions. Additionally, lithium orotate has shown promising results in improving cognitive function. Several studies have shown that lithium orotate may have neuroprotective properties that may help protect brain cells. This makes it an interesting option for those looking to support brain health and potentially improve cognitive abilities.
Mechanisms of Action of Lithium Orotate
Lithium orotate plays a great role in healthy mental function, supporting healthy mood, emotional wellness, behavior and memory. How does lithium orotate work exactly?
According to Wikipedia, the specific biochemical mechanism of lithium action in stabilizing mood is unknown. Lithium exerts its effects at multiple levels beginning with clinical changes to mood by counteracting mania and depression and diminishing suicidality. Evidence for the effects of lithium on cognition from neuropsychological and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies point overall towards cognitive compromise; however, evidence for this has been mixed. Structural imaging studies have provided evidence of neuroprotection with increased grey matter volumes, in particular in the amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortical regions in lithium-treated patients. Changes to neurotransmission that have clinical impact may be explained through increased inhibitory and decreased excitatory neurotransmission in lithium-treated patients. At the intracellular level, lithium influences second messenger systems, which modulate neurotransmission and facilitate cellular viability by promoting anti-oxidant defences, decreasing apoptosis, and increasing neuroprotective proteins.
However, three primary mechanisms have been identified over the last two decades for the wide-ranging neuroprotective effects of lithium on the brain and nervous system:
- up-regulation of the major neuroprotective protein Bcl-2,
- upregulation of BDNF,
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is commonly referred to as “Miracle Grow for the brain” because it increases neurogenesis. Neurogenesis is the growth of new neurons, giving your brain a much-needed “biochemical upgrade” while getting off opioids. BDNF also provides powerful antidepressant and
anti- anxiety effects.
- and inhibition of NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity
Lithium Orotate Benefits
Lithium orotate is a natural dietary supplement that can be used in small doses to manage stress and support a more positive mood.
Lithium Orotate for healthy mood
Lithium orotate was originally discovered to treat manic depression (now known as bipolar disorder), it has been used for a long time to stabilize mood and treat a wide range of mood disorders.
Lithium orotate enhances the synthesis and release of the happy hormone serotonin. At the same time, the orotate salt also reduces the stress hormone norepinephrine.
Lithium orotate is able to help people by lowering the brain’s sensitivity to norepinephrine receptors. It practically blocks the production of this well-known neurotransmitter that affects our mood. Because of these mood-stabilizing effects, lower doses are being explored in people with anxiety. Lithium has been shown in studies to calm manic behavior associated with anxiety, bipolar disorder, and even attention deficit disorder (ADHD).
Lithium Orotate for healthy brain
Lithium orotate is popular in some nootropic formulas. Nootropics are able to enhance memory and other cognitive functions.
Several scientific studies have shown that lithium orotate supplement can boost gray matter in the human brain, block the release of beta-amyloid and boost NAA. A further protective mechanism attributed to lithium orotate is decreasing the over activation of a brain cell protein called tau protein that also contributes to neuronal degeneration as does the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. People with different kinds of brain injuries and problems may expect improvement in their cognitive functions.
Application:
Lithium orotate is a natural compound that can be used as a dietary supplement, and one of its main benefits is its positive impact on mood and emotional health. People who use lithium orotate report reduced symptoms of anxiety and stress. This is thought to be due to the mineral’s ability to regulate neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in our brains responsible for regulating mood and mood. By increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, lithium orotate can help stabilize mood and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. In addition to its emotional health benefits, lithium orotate may also have positive effects on physical health. Some studies suggest it promotes healthy cell function and supports cardiovascular health. Additionally, lithium orotate has been shown to have antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Lithium orotate for alcoholism
Lithium orotate may be helpful for alcohol cravings. One study found that when patients who craved alcohol were given lithium orotate, they were able to maintain their sobriety longer with minimal side effects. Scientists have replicated these findings in other studies, as well.
Lithium Orotate Dosage
Generally speaking, there are many lithium supplements and drugs on the food and pharmaceutical market. It is lithium Li+ that plays the key functional role. The general dosage for elemental lithium is 5mg.
The molecular weight of Li is 6.941, accounting for 4% of Lithium orotate(162.03). To supply 5mg elemental lithium, the dosage of lithium orotate is 125mg. So you will find that lithium orotate in most lithium supplements is colse to 125mg. Some formula may be 120mg, some may be 130mg, and there won’t be much difference.
Lithium orotate safety
Many supplement brands who want to try lithium orotate in their supplement formulas are concerning this question.
In general, Lithium orotate is a natural dietary ingredient, no FDA prescrition is needed. Users are able to buy supplements containing lithium orotate on amazon, GNC, Iherb, Vitamin Shoppe, Swan, and other platforms freely.
However, dosaging is very important. Lithium is very effective at low dosage at 5mg. Do not exceed the recommended dose of your health professional. Consult your physician for more information.
