Lithium

What is lithium?

Lithium is a chemical element, a metal, which is not considered an essential nutrient to human health or life; its exact function in the human body is not yet known.

Prescribed Lithium

Lithium in the form of lithium carbonate, lithium chloride and lithium orotate is used as a drug for treatment of manic episodes in a bipolar disorder.

Lithium Supplements

Lithium in the form of lithium orotate is being sold via the Internet as a ‘dietary supplement’, and as such does not need to be prescribed by a doctor.

Lithium Safety: Side Effects, Toxicity

Lithium may have side effects, such as vomiting, tremor, muscle cramps or seizures ^[1], so it should not be taken without doctor’s approval and regular checking of blood lithium levels. There is no proof that lithium supplements would effectively treat depression in chronic alcoholics, or reduce craving for alcohol ^[2].