While lithium orotate is capable of providing lithium to the body, like lithium carbonate and other lithium salts, there are no systematic reviews supporting the efficacy of lithium orotate and it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of any medical condition. A 1979 study drew the mistaken conclusion that its use may in fact be harmful to kidney function compared to lithium carbonate. According to researcher Vickie Gunther, the study failed to take into account that much less lithium orotate is needed because of its higher efficacy versus lithium carbonate. Dr. John Gray has pointed out that this is because the orotate form is the one the body's defenses, the ion-selective protein gates in the blood-brain barrier is matched to, so the orotate molecule passes unhindered through the barrier, while the carbonate form is largely blocked. A fairer comparison would have been to administer eight times less lithium orotate than lithium carbonate, thereby lessening concerns of potential impaired kidney function. Lithium orotate has been promoted as an alternative to lithium carbonate, which because it must be used in high doses, is potentially toxic.
In 1973, Nieper reported that lithium orotate contained 3.83 mg of elemental lithium per 100 mg and lithium carbonate contained 18.8 mg of elemental lithium per 100 mg. Nieper went on to claim that lithium did not dissolve from the orotate carrier until it passed through the blood brain barrier, however a 1976 study documented that lithium concentrations within the brains of rats were not statistically different between equivalent dosages of lithium from lithium orotate, lithium carbonate, or lithium chloride. While this study was conducted with rats, it directly contradicts the aforementioned assumptions made by Nieper and others. The pharmacokinetics of lithium orotate in human brains is poorly documented and further inquiry is needed to affirm that lithium concentrations in the brain are higher with lithium orotate. Major medical research has not been conducted on lithium orotate since the 1980s due to its patent status and the abundant availability of lithium carbonate. As previously stated, lithium intake appears to be effective even at low doses, and this may account for lithium orotates claimed effectiveness.
It is heavily touted by Dr. John Gray, among others, as a low toxicity alternative. Although a few psychiatrists prescribe lithium orotate to their patients mostly for bipolar disorder, it is most often naturopaths and other alternative health practitioners who recommend this lithium compound to their patients."
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"Lithium orotate is a substance that consists of lithium (an alkali metal) and orotic acid (a compound produced naturally in the body). Available in dietary supplement form, lithium orotate is touted as a natural treatment for a wide range of mental-health problems.
Lithium orotate is often promoted as an alternative to lithium, a medication prescribed to treat and prevent episodes of mania in people with bipolar disorder. Lithium is said to treat and prevent manic episodes by reducing abnormal brain activity.
Although orotic acid is sometimes referred to as vitamin B13, it's not actually considered a vitamin. In the human body, orotic acid is produced from microorganisms found in the intestines."
Is Lithium Orotate Safe?
Due to a lack research, little is known about the safety of long-term use of lithium orotate. However, there's some evidence that lithium orotate may have some toxic effects. For instance, a 2007 report published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology warns that chronic use of lithium orotate may cause nausea and tremors. There's also some concern that use of lithium orotate may lead to kidney damage.
In addition, use of lithium orotate may cause adverse effects similar to those that result from lithium toxicity (a commonly occurring problem that has contributed to the development of newer drugs to take the place of lithium as a therapy for bipolar disorder). Along with nausea and vomiting, these adverse effects include cardiac arrhythmias and potentially permanent or long-lasting neurological problems (such as tremors, dementia, and ataxia). Due to the health risks associated with lithium toxicity, safe use of lithium requires periodic blood-testing to ensure that toxic levels of the drug are not being reached. Given these safety concerns, using lithium orotate without the supervision of a healthcare professional is strongly discouraged.
It's also important to note that self-treating a chronic condition (such as bipolar disorder) with lithium orotate, and avoiding or delaying standard care, may have serious consequences. If you're considering the use of lithium orotate in treatment of a chronic condition, it's crucial to consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen."
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