Is lithium the new magnesium? Both minerals are attracting attention for their potential roles within the wellness space. While magnesium has long been a staple in wellness routines, lithium (especially in forms like lithium orotate) is now entering the spotlight. This article explores how they compare, what research tells us, and what to consider when learning more.
Is Lithium the New Magnesium?
For years, magnesium has been praised as a go-to mineral for everything from muscle relaxation to better sleep. It has enjoyed mainstream recognition and a firm place in health conversations. Now, attention is turning to lithium – not in its pharmaceutical form, but in low-dose compounds such as lithium orotate, typically promoted as a supplement for mood boosting and mental wellbeing.
But is lithium really the “new magnesium”? In short: lithium and magnesium are quite different, both chemically and in how they are studied.
Magnesium: The Established Mineral
Magnesium is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and protein synthesis[1]. According to the NHS[2], it is essential for overall health, helping convert food into energy and supporting the parathyroid gland.
Most people can meet their magnesium needs through a balanced diet. The recommended daily intake is 320mg for women and 420mg for men[3], typically obtained from foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. For a deeper look at magnesium types and daily requirements, see our guide here.
Beyond its well-known link to sleep quality and relaxation[4], magnesium is associated with a range of benefits depending on its form[5]:
- Magnesium citrate – often taken as a laxative for gut health
- Magnesium glycinate – commonly promoted for improved sleep and reduced anxiety
- Magnesium oxide – commonly taken for constipation or indigestion.
Magnesium is also available in topical sprays and creams, which may help with skin hydration, muscle recovery, and relaxation. Its versatility and essential role in the body have made magnesium one of the most researched and widely recommended minerals in nutrition.
Lithium: A Trace Mineral with History
Unlike magnesium, lithium is not classed as an essential nutrient, but interest in it is growing. Found naturally in soil and water, lithium also appears in trace amounts in certain foods such as cereals, vegetables (potato and cabbage) and spices (nutmeg and cumin)[6]. This natural presence has prompted researchers to explore whether low levels may influence mood and mental health in the general population. To learn more on research surrounding lithium and lithium orotate, explore our blog here.
Lithium’s most established medical use is in prescription form, particularly for bipolar disorder and depression. However, outside of clinical settings, attention has turned to lithium orotate – a non-prescription form available in much smaller doses than pharmaceutical lithium carbonate.
Early studies suggest lithium orotate may play a role in protecting against age-related conditions such as [7]:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis
- Sarcopenia
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes
Lithium orotate is also promoted for potential benefits in sleep support, mood regulation, and general wellbeing – though current evidence remains limited and further research is needed[8].
A closer look at lithium orotate, including typical supplement doses, can be found in our in-depth guide.
Comparing Lithium and Magnesium
- Availability: Magnesium is easily obtained through diet; lithium is only found in trace amounts.
- Research Base: Magnesium has extensive nutrition research; lithium research is still new and emerging.
- Applications: Magnesium predominantly supports muscles, nerves, and sleep; lithium’s focus is largely mental health and mood stabilisation in higher doses.
- Supplementation: Magnesium is widely available; lithium supplements (like lithium orotate) are niche, but are starting to become more regulated.
Should You Think of Lithium as the "New Magnesium"?
Magnesium and lithium ultimately serve different purposes. Magnesium is essential, safe in standard dietary amounts, and has a long-established place in nutrition. Lithium, particularly in micro-doses, is an emerging area of interest. While it should not be seen as a replacement for magnesium, lithium is showing promise in supporting mental wellbeing and sleep, with research in these areas steadily growing.
For those considering lithium supplements, it’s important to distinguish between clinical use (under medical supervision) and low-dose, over-the-counter forms such as lithium orotate. These supplements are gaining attention for mood and sleep support, but the evidence is still developing.
FAQs
Is lithium safe to take as a supplement?
Prescription lithium requires medical supervision. Over-the-counter forms like lithium orotate are available, but research on safety and effectiveness is limited. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
Can lithium improve sleep like magnesium?
Magnesium’s link with sleep is well established. Some people report better sleep with lithium orotate, but strong evidence is not yet available.
Is lithium an essential nutrient?
Unlike magnesium, lithium is not officially classed as an essential nutrient. It exists naturally in trace amounts in water and soil, but dietary requirements are not established.
Should I swap my magnesium supplement for lithium?
No. Magnesium has proven essential benefits, while lithium remains under study. They are not interchangeable.
- NIH. (2022) Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Available at: NIH.
- NHS. (2021) Vitamins and minerals – others. Available at: NHS.
- Shmerling, R.H. (2025) What can magnesium do for you and how much do you need? This forgotten mineral is having a moment. Harvard Health Publishing, 3 June. Available at: Harvard Medical School.
- Healthline. (2023) What Are the Health Benefits of Magnesium? Updated 6 December 2023. Available at: Healthline.
- Shmerling, R.H. (2025) What can magnesium do for you and how much do you need? Harvard Health Publishing, 3 June. Available at: Harvard Medical School.
- Szklarska, D. and Rzymski, P. (2019) "Is Lithium a Micronutrient? From Biological Activity and Epidemiological Observation to Food Fortification", Biol Trace Elem Res, 189, pp. 18–27. Available at: Springer Nature.
- Hamstra, S.I., Roy, B.D., Tiidus, P., MacNeil, A.J., Klentrou, P., MacPherson, R.E.K. and Fajardo, V.A. (2023) "Beyond its Psychiatric Use: The Benefits of Low-Dose Lithium Supplementation", Current Neuropharmacology, 21(4), pp.891–910. Available at: NCBI.
- Strawbridge, R., Myrtle, S., Carmellini, P., Hampsey, E., Cousins, D. A. and Young, A. H. (2025) "A survey exploring people’s experiences with lithium bought as a supplement", Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Advance online publication. Available at: NCBI.
